[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 110 (Thursday, July 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE FAMILIES OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS' CELEBRATION 
      OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor, recognize, and 
celebrate the Families of Our Lady Queen of Angels in celebration of 
the 125th anniversary of the founding of Our Lady Queen of Angels 
Church.
  Our Lady Queen of Angels Church was constructed in 1886 at the urging 
of the New York Archbishop Corrigan for the German community that lived 
in the neighborhood. The church, located in East Harlem, was built by 
Father Bonaventure, a Capuchin Friar who founded the Capuchins in New 
York City. The building was designed as a replica of the Portiuncula, 
the chapel where Francis of Assisi died. Friar Solanus Casey, the only 
American Capuchin to become Venerable lived at Our Lady Queen of Angels 
during the 1920s and was very devoted to the congregation. The church 
holds a rich religious history and a symbolic legacy for the Capuchins.
  The church has been an important feature of the East Harlem Community 
for 125 years. The congregation has opened its doors, providing service 
and hope, to the poor and immigrant communities. The church has united 
the community and provided a welcoming place to practice the Catholic 
faith.
  On February 12, 2007 Cardinal Egan, the Archbishop of New York 
ordered that the church be closed immediately. Although the building 
itself was closed, the families of Our Lady Queen of Angels refused to 
abandon the spirit of the parish community. Every Sunday since the 
closing the congregation has gathered on the sidewalk in front of the 
church to conduct their own service. Lacking a priest, they conduct the 
services themselves; the parishioners stand in a tight circle to sing 
hymns and discuss Bible passages in the context of their own lives. 
These services take place without fail, regardless of rough weather 
conditions. In addition to the weekly services, the congregation goes 
on retreats, celebrates Catholic holy days, and hosts community and 
ethnic special events.
  This parish has demonstrated the power and fortitude of community. 
They refused to allow the loss of a physical space to destroy the bonds 
that they share with each other. The congregation serves as a beautiful 
portrayal of the positive outcome produced by uniting in the face of 
adversity.
  I ask my colleagues and our Nation to join me in this special 
Congressional Recognition of the Families of Our Lady Queen of Angels 
as they celebrate the 125th anniversary of the church founding.

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