[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 158 (Thursday, September 28, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CZESTOCHOWA

  (Ms. De La CRUZ asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. De La CRUZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate a milestone of 
endurance in the heart of Texas. In 1854 a brave community of Polish 
families planted their roots in Karnes County, founding the settlement 
of Virgin Mary, or Panna Maria, in their beloved Silesian dialect.
  Through droughts and hardships, they built churches. They built 
schools, and businesses. With resilience they flourished and enriched 
the Lone Star State. Residents in the surrounding areas had to travel 
miles across creeks and open prairies in order to attend church.
  In 1873, a group of these original immigrants and descendants decided 
to venture a few miles up the road to establish a new church and 
parish. The land was donated, and funds were raised to begin the 
project. Initial construction was completed in 1878.
  The residents renamed and christened their community Czestochowa, 
honoring their roots. The church dedicated to the nativity of the 
blessed Virgin Mary stands as a testament to their faith and unity.
  As Karnes County proclaims October as Polish American Heritage Month, 
we honor these pioneers, and may their story continue to inspire us.

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