[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SISTERS OF MERCY CELEBRATE 120 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a momentous 
occasion--the 120 years of service the Sisters of Mercy have graciously 
provided the City of Laredo, Texas. For over a century, these Sisters 
have faithfully contributed to the health and wellbeing of the 
residents within my hometown.
  Three Sisters arrived in Laredo in 1894 with the mission of building 
the city's first hospital. They came from Dublin, Ireland, and less 
than one month after their arrival, they accomplished their goal and 
opened a medical facility with six rooms and twelve beds. Though they 
were not formally trained in nursing, they committed to learning in 
order to serve the needy of Laredo. As the population and health care 
needs grew, Sisters of Mercy expanded to new buildings to care for as 
many Laredoans as possible.
  Over the last 120 years, nearly 120 Sisters have faithfully served in 
Laredo, many of whom served for decades at a time. There are presently 
five sisters who serve the Laredo community: Sister Maria Luisa Vera, 
who recently celebrated her 50th jubilee and is President of Mercy 
Ministries; Sister Rosemary Welsh, who has served Laredo for 22 years 
and is the Executive Director at Casa de Misericordia and the Director 
of Outreach Services at Mercy Clinic; Sister Olivia Obregon, who has 
served for a total of 33 years in various nursing supervisory 
positions; Sister Kathleen Tinnel, who has served Laredo for 12 years 
both as a pediatric nurse and a minister; and the newest Sister--Sister 
Beth Yoest--who is on the faculty at St. Peter Memorial School.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the 
Sisters of Mercy for commendably caring for the citizens of Laredo 
throughout the past 120 years. I thank you for this time.

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