[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT MARY'S PARISH IN THE CITY OF 
                                 GILROY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Congressman 
Sam Farr, to pay tribute to Saint Mary's Parish of the City of Gilroy. 
On August 15, 2015, the Parish celebrated a true milestone: its 150th 
Anniversary. Together we commend the Parish for its century and a half 
of service, fellowship, and leadership to the Gilroy community.
  From its founding, Saint Mary's Parish has been at the heart of its 
Gilroy community. Founding Pastor Thomas J. Hudson built Saint Mary of 
the Assumption in the young southernmost town of Santa Clara County, 
Gilroy, in 1865. As the town grew into a city of 50,000 residents, 
Saint Mary's Parish expanded, adding its third building on its 100th 
Anniversary in 1965. The Parish has served as a point of gathering for 
people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. It has also been a 
home to hundreds of dedicated parishioners of Saint Mary's Parish who 
have served the residents of Gilroy.
  Saint Mary's Parish has led and contributed to the spiritual and 
cultural life of Gilroy for many years through various cultural events, 
its local and international programs, and St. Mary School, staffed by 
the Sisters of the Presentation. The Parish's programs have included 
Saint Joseph Family Center, Lord's Table, Mexico Mission, various 
disaster and poverty relief collections, and person-by-person 
counseling.
  Through the years, Saint Mary's Parish has maintained strong and 
active social justice outreach within the community. The Parish has 
contributed to the lives of many individuals and families by extending 
its support to young families, immigrants, families of farm workers, 
and persons living with physical and mental disabilities. The Parish 
has also offered solace to the bereaved.
  In addition to being attentive to the spiritual, cultural, and social 
justice needs of Gilroy community members, Saint Mary's Parish has been 
an important source of unity to our residents. The Parish has continued 
to focus its efforts on the betterment of our society by providing a 
spiritual home for our youth and promoting social justice and diversity 
in the City of Gilroy.
  As Saint Mary's Parish of the City of Gilroy celebrates 150 years of 
service to the Gilroy community, we join the many friends and families 
wishing well to the Parish. On this day of honor and celebration, we do 
hereby recognize and commend Saint Mary's Parish on this milestone.

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