[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 160 (Monday, October 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. MONICA'S CHURCH

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                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 24, 2011

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to St. Monica's 
Catholic Church in San Francisco's Richmond District on the occasion of 
its 100th Anniversary. The Anniversary Mass will be celebrated by 
Bishop Robert McElroy and Fr. John Greene, pastor of St. Monica's 
Church and chaplain to the San Francisco Fire Department.
  The Richmond District of San Francisco had expanded after the 1906 
earthquake and its Catholic residents needed a congregation. St. 
Monica's Parish was founded in January 1911 and the church was built in 
1918 funded by donations of the parishioners. From its humble 
beginnings, when the Richmond District was made up of mostly Irish-
American and Italian-American residents, the parish has become a 
spiritual home to an ethnically and culturally diverse population.
  St. Monica's School was founded in 1919 by the Sisters of the Holy 
Names of Jesus and Mary. It is a co-ed Catholic elementary school that 
welcomes students from all faiths and cultural backgrounds and well 
represents the cultural diversity of its neighborhood.
  It was my privilege to attend the June 2011 funeral Mass for fallen 
firefighters Anthony Valerio and Vincent Perez officiated by Fr. John 
Greene. Each year a Mass is held to commemorate the September 11th 
attacks on the World Trade Center. Many of these masses are held at St. 
Monica's because it is a favorite church of San Francisco firefighters 
for weddings as well as funerals.
  All San Franciscans are grateful for Fr. Greene's leadership and his 
dedication to our first responders. The individuals and families in Fr. 
Greene's parish have been blessed with a Pastor who has strengthened 
their church and school, built community and inspired their love for 
service and their love of God.

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