[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 109 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE HISTORY AND SERVICE OF THE URSULINE SISTERS OF LOUISVILLE

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                          HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2010

  Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of a group of 
remarkable women who have played a vital role in strengthening 
communities across Kentucky, throughout the nation, and around the 
globe for more than 150 years. Since 1858, the reach of the Ursuline 
Sisters of Louisville has grown from a school on the corner of Chestnut 
and Shelby Streets in downtown Louisville to a mission that touches the 
lives of thousands of women, men, and children across the nation and 
across the globe. And on July 25, the Sisters will have their 
distinguished history and continued service officially recognized by 
the Commonwealth of Kentucky when a marker is placed at the site where 
their mission began so many years ago. Today, I am honored to join the 
chorus of voices praising the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville for their 
decades of contributions to better the world through their teachings 
and actions.
  The story of the Ursuline Sisters in Lousiville began when three 
sisters from Germany arrived 152 years ago to pursue a tradition of 
faith and service, answering the call meet the needs of the community's 
children. In the spirit of their founder--St. Angela Merici--they 
sought to serve with an openness and eagerness to meet the needs of 
others. Compelled by faith and principle and driven by hard work, the 
Ursuline Sisters soon made that mission a reality, each and every day 
of the last 152 years.
  Within weeks of their arrival, the Sisters were teaching dozens of 
children. Under their leadership, construction on a new convent and 
school--Ursuline Academy--was completed the following year. Their 
successful efforts soon expanded exponentially. In less than 25 years, 
more than 100 sisters were teaching in 20 Ursuline schools.
  Today, the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville have grown to serve a 
community of faith in eight states and Peru.
  The Ursuline Sisters do not just offer a quality education or health 
care--they provide invaluable guidance and assistance to those who need 
it most. Throughout their history, the Sisters have worked on behalf of 
the underserved and the disenfranchised, seeking to empower every life 
they touch. Today, the schools they have established and operate, the 
students they have taught, and the people they have served stand as a 
living legacy to their mission to create stronger communities and a 
stronger world.
  By placing a historical marker at the place where this powerful 
mission began, the legacy of the Ursuline Sisters will remind and 
educate our community about the impact of service. The Ursuline Sisters 
of Louisville don't just change with the world--they help shape it 
through knowledge, compassion, and a selfless commitment to service.
  Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in further 
recognizing the extraordinary work and dedication of the Ursuline 
Sisters of Louisville.

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