[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 111 (Friday, July 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LORETTA RINALDI

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                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 5, 2024

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the birthday of 
Loretta Rinaldi who is deeply cherished by her community, her church, 
and family.
  Born to English-immigrant parents on July 17, 1924, in Los Angeles, 
California, Mrs. Rinaldi dedicated her life to education, her 
community, and family. In 1942, she graduated as valedictorian of 
Catholic Girls' High School after which she took her vows to become a 
nun.
  At Immaculate Heart, Mrs. Rinaldi taught science and found her 
passion for being an educator. She continued to educate and be a 
proactive figure in her community even after leaving the covenant.
  Mrs. Rinaldi has truly lived a life of service and is a persistent 
advocate. In the 1960s, she was an activist in the Immaculate Heart 
Sisters movement which encouraged the church to embrace cultural 
shifts. She was one of 315 sisters who voted to give up their vows and 
leave their lives as nuns after the opposition they faced from the 
Catholic Church.
  It wasn't long after she left the order that Mrs. Rinaldi fell in 
love and married a widower, Neal Rinaldi, who had five children from 
his previous marriage. Together, the couple moved to Banning, 
California where Mrs. Rinaldi was Mr. Rinaldi's caretaker until he 
passed away.
  Mr. Speaker, in celebrating Loretta Rinaldi, we celebrate the 
empowerment found in knowledge, the precedent set by courageous 
advocates, and the strength of familial bonds.
  On behalf of California's 25th District, I extend my warmest wishes 
to Mrs. Rinaldi and her family as we join in celebrating this major 
life milestone.

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