[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL THE 
                               ARCHANGEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2019

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, this year marks the 160th anniversary of 
the founding of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Providence, 
Rhode Island. St. Michael's parish reflects the vibrancy and diversity 
of Rhode Island, and its social programs continue to make a positive 
impact in the community.
  In 1859, St. Bernard's Parish, which would become St. Michael's, was 
founded in Rhode Island. Within a year, it became the home of the St. 
Vincent de Paul Society, serving Irish immigrants who fled the Great 
Famine. This was the start of St. Michael's dedication to community 
service, a tradition that has continued for 160 years.
  Since its founding, St. Michael's has provided a welcoming and 
inclusive community for the successive waves of immigrants who have 
arrived in Rhode Island. Beginning with Irish, Italian, Portuguese, and 
other Western European immigrant populations, the St. Michael's 
community has expanded to include members of more than 40 nationalities 
or countries of origin, with mass celebrated in five different 
languages. The multicultural, multilingual community exemplifies Rhode 
Island's founding principles of inclusion, acceptance, respect, 
religious tolerance, and the celebration of our common humanity.
  St. Michael's mission of service has long brought parishioners 
together to meet the needs of its members and of the broader community. 
Through their tireless advocacy, commitment to service, and 
partnerships with local nonprofits and other faith-based organizations, 
the people of St. Michael's have helped countless individuals and made 
an indelible mark on the state.
  St. Michael's 160th anniversary is an incredible milestone for one of 
the spiritual and charitable pillars of Rhode Island, and I look 
forward to congratulating the parish on many more anniversaries to 
come.

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