[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO ST. BERNARDINE PARISH ON THEIR 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today and 
ask Congress to recognize the 150th anniversary of the St. Bernardine 
Parish in San Bernardino, California.
  In 1862, Reverend Raho chose a site for the St. Bernardine Parish to 
be built in the town square in the current city of San Bernardino. 
Here, Reverend Raho held mass and established the Parish in the name of 
Bishop Amat. In 1865, the first St. Bernardine Church was completed, 
only to be destroyed by a fire a year later. The church was rebuilt and 
expanded between 1867 and 1880 to accommodate a growing population.
  The St. Bernardine Parish continued to change and expand with the 
beginning of the 20th century. In 1907, the Church built a new two 
story brick school to accommodate 200 students. Three years later, in 
1910, the new Church building was completed and dedicated, becoming the 
fifth Catholic Church in San Bernardino.
  During the 1920s, the San Bernardine Parish flourished and helped 
provide guidance and inspiration to the people of San Bernardino. A 
decade later, during the Great Depression, the San Bernardine Parish 
was instrumental in helping the community get through rough times.
  I commend the San Bernardine Parish for their tireless work to 
support our soldiers and their families during and after World War II. 
Many men and women from the Parish fought bravely to preserve the 
freedoms of democracy and religion that we hold today.
  After the war, St. Bernadine constructed a new convent and built 
additions onto the existing school building. From the 1960s until the 
1990s, Msgr. John Bradley oversaw the period of growth and change for 
the St. Bernardine Parish, where he is known as the ``Preservation 
Pastor.'' With Msgr. Bradley's leadership, a new senior citizens 
housing complex was completed and dedicated. Msgr. Bradley's legacy has 
impacted Father Leonard Depasquale, who continues to lead the St. 
Bernardine Parish in improving the life of the people and community of 
San Bernardino.
  I am proud of the way the St. Bernardine Parish has positively 
impacted the people of San Bernardino for over 150 years. The St. 
Bernardine Parish has provided spiritual support and assistance to the 
people of San Bernardino, and I am grateful to their service to our 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognition of 
the St. Bernardine Parish as they celebrate their 150th anniversary.

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