[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 23 (Thursday, February 6, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H1685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       TRIBUTE TO THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH MONASTERY

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize 
the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery in St. Marys, which is 
located in Elk County, Pennsylvania, and is the oldest Benedictine 
convent in the United States.
  The Benedictine Sisters, in concert with their federation, will close 
St. Joseph Monastery with the remaining 17 sisters moving on in the 
coming year.
  For more than a century and a half, the monastery has grown and 
flourished. Through roles as teachers and school administrators, 
religious education teachers, hospital administrators, nurses, 
technicians, and dietitians, instructors and promoters of the arts, 
spiritual providers, citizens, and friends, the sisters have greatly 
impacted the community of St. Marys.
  On February 23, 2014, St. Marys is hosting a communitywide 
celebration to honor and thank the Benedictine Sisters--both living and 
deceased--for nearly 162 years of service to the community and the 
region.
  Today, I join with the community of St. Marys as we celebrate 
Honoring the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery Day, and offer 
thanks and appreciation to the sisters for their faithful and dedicated 
service to the Lord.

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