[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 133 (Friday, August 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NEW YORK 200TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 2017

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the finest charitable 
organization's operating not just in my district, but across the entire 
State of New York. For two centuries, the Sisters of Charity of New 
York has met the challenges of the times and ministered to the needs of 
the poor. It is my honor to recognize their incredible work as they 
celebrate their 200th anniversary.
  The history of the Sisters of Charity begins with its foundress, 
Elizabeth Ann Seton, who was later canonized as the first American-born 
saint. Elizabeth was born in 1774, into an upper class, well educated, 
Episcopalian family in New York City. A well-educated, talented young 
lady, she and other young prominent women in New York society served 
the poor, particularly widows and orphans. Ironically, Elizabeth became 
a penniless widow within 10 years of marrying her husband, William 
Magee Seton, with whom she had five children. Influenced by the 
kindness of her husband's friends and her attraction to the Eucharist, 
Elizabeth converted to Catholicism.
  In 1817, after Elizabeth had opened several Catholic Schools with a 
small community of women concentrated on a defined lifestyle for their 
religious congregation, and founded the first American congregation of 
women religious, she sent three of her sisters to New York City to open 
an orphanage, establishing the foundation of the Sisters of Charity in 
New York.
  The SCNY mission is simple: to share in the ongoing mission of Jesus 
by responding to the signs of the times in the spirit of St. Vincent de 
Paul and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, by revealing the Father's love in our 
lives and in our varied ministries with and for all in need, especially 
the poor. Their work speaks for itself. There are 250 Sisters of 
Charity of New York and 121 Associates; seven sisters and 33 Associates 
live in Guatemala. In their 200-year history, the Congregation opened 
and/or staffed 185 schools, 28 hospitals, 23 childcare institutions, 
and other ministries to care for people on the margins of society. SCNY 
also sponsors ministries across the State aimed at helping others, 
including on the campuses of the College of Mount Saint Vincent and St. 
Joseph's Medical Center. From housing to anti-human trafficking 
programs, the breadth of SCNY's reach is truly inspiring.
  All of this could only be achieved and sustained by individuals who 
are truly dedicated to their mission, and who care deeply for people 
from all walks of life. I am proud the Sisters of Charity of New York 
is based in my district, and I want to say thank you to its leadership 
and all of its members for their remarkable dedication and hard work.

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