[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 156 (Thursday, September 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF ST. ELIZABETH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2017

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
extraordinary efforts and dedication of the Sisters of Charity of Saint 
Elizabeth, who were honored on Saturday, September 23, 2017 during St. 
Joseph's Healthcare System's Charity Ball on Ellis Island, where they 
celebrated 150 years of service to the community.
  The Sisters of Charity in the United States were founded by Saint 
Elizabeth Ann Seton, in the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint 
Louise de Louise de Marillac in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1809 by Mother 
Mary Xavier Mehegan. After the establishment of the Convent Station in 
1860, Mother Mehegan swiftly established educational programs amongst 
other community outreach programs and institutions to address and 
assist with services to the public. In 1886, the Sisters established 
St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, NJ.
  During the 1860's, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth had 
difficulty gathering funds for the fledgling hospital. The Sisters 
petitioned the city for its support and reached out within the 
community, such as, local factories, workers, owners, and some of the 
wealthier residents in the community for financial assistance. They 
farmed their land to feed the patients and would sell the remainder in 
order to support their hospital. They depended on the generosity and 
kindness of the community to help the infirmed citizens find comfort 
and care. Through all of this dedicated hard work, support and effort, 
the Sisters slowly expanded the hospital and began to build the large 
healthcare system that we know today.
  Throughout the majority of St. Joseph's history, charismatic and 
determined women guided the hospital, turning challenges into 
opportunities. In 1875, Sister Mary Clare Reilly became the first of 
several influential leaders who would shape the essence of St. 
Joseph's.
  A champion for the hospital for more than four decades, ``Mother 
Clare'' as she was called, was renowned for her strength of judgement, 
business sense, and ability to be flexible and progressive.
  In more recent times, we appreciate the significant contributions 
that Sister Jane Frances Brady made to the success of St. Joseph's. 
Sister Jane remains an icon in The State of New Jersey as a passionate 
advocate for the needs of the sick and the poor. Sr. Jacqueline Burns, 
SC, also a dynamic leader and immediate past Chairperson of the Boards 
of Trustees of SJHS, led the integration of the Healthcare System and 
revitalization of our organization.
  The Sisters provide an inspirational leadership presence throughout 
St. Josephs Healthcare System, with 30 sisters ministering within SJHS. 
Today, the sisters sponsor one college, two academies, three hospitals 
and one women's center. The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth 
remain focused on the heart of their calling: service and advocacy 
through their work including research and dialogue on major issues of 
social and global significance.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating 
individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving the people. The 
Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth's commitment to public service is 
truly commendable.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues to celebrate the long 
record of service to their community by the Sisters of Charity of Saint 
Elizabeth.

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