[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 120 (Monday, July 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                HONORING THE SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 25, 2016

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sisters of the 
Holy Family, the only religious order founded in New Orleans that still 
exists today.
  The Sisters of the Holy Family were founded in 1842 by Henriette 
Delille, a free woman of color. Sisters of the Holy Family defied the 
norms of the time and chose to live a chaste life dedicated to God. In 
a time where white communities were not accepting of black communities 
and laws forbade blacks from living with white; there was much need for 
a set of church and civil authorities to give the people a place to 
call home in the midst of so much racial aggression.
  In memory of Henriette, the fearless and gracious leader of the 
Sisters of the Holy Family, St. Mary's Academy the first secondary 
school for free girls of color was founded in New Orleans. Today the 
school educates co-ed students from grades pre-kindergarten to fifth 
grade while only girls are educated from sixth through twelfth grade. 
St. Mary's Academy graduates have become prominent professionals across 
the U.S.
  For over 174 years, The Sisters of the Holy Family have continued 
their mission of educating the youth, caring for the sick and elderly, 
amongst many other dutiful deeds. The sisters have been recognized by 
civil and church authorities for their dedicated services to the people 
of God. By staying connected to God's transformational love as well as 
ensuring the continued growth of St. Mary's Academy. The Sisters will 
live in the hearts of hundreds for years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the courage, commitment and sacrifice that 
the Sisters of the Holy Family have shown for over 174 years.

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