[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 172 (Friday, October 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF SISTER FLORENCE STEICHEN, CSJ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2025

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, 
Sister (Mary Roman) Florence Steichen, a member of the Congregation of 
the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), and her lifelong 
advocacy for peace, justice, and compassion. Born in South Minneapolis, 
Minnesota near Lake Harriet in 1928, the third child of five children, 
Sister Florence Steichen grew up in a family deeply rooted in social 
justice. Her parents instilled in her a strong belief in what she later 
described as ``the two feet of justice'': direct service and action for 
systemic change.
  Florence graduated from the Academy of the Holy Angels in Richfield, 
MN, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, Chemistry, and 
Biology from Saint Catherine University, in Saint Paul, MN in 1950. She 
pursued her calling in faith and justice, by entering the novitiate on 
September 8, 1950, and professing her final vows on August 15, 1958. 
She further deepened her theological understanding with a Master of 
Arts in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1966. She had a 
long teaching career in several Province high schools including the 
Academy of the Holy Angels in Richfield, MN; Saint Mary's Academy in 
Graceville, MN; Saint Mary's High School in Waverly, MN; Saint James 
Academy in Grand Forks, ND; St. Margaret's Academy, Minneapolis, MN; 
and St. Mary's Junior College in Minneapolis, MN. Florence also served 
her CSJ Community as General Councilor in Saint Louis, MO from 1978 to 
1982.
  In 1987, Florence moved to Bethlehem, Palestine where she worked at 
Bethlehem University and became an outspoken advocate for Palestinian 
rights, supporting a One-State solution with equal rights for both 
Palestinians and Israelis. Upon returning to Minnesota from Bethlehem 
almost six years later, Florence worked for the Dispute Resolution 
Center in Saint Paul, MN and the Citizens Council in Minneapolis, MN. 
After retiring, she volunteered at Saint Catherine University in Saint 
Paul, MN, which was her alma mater. In 2017, Florence fully retired and 
moved into Carondelet Village located in Saint Paul, MN near the campus 
of Saint Catherine University, where she remained a strong and active 
voice of peace and compassion until her recent passing at the age of 
97.
  Sister Florence Steichen was very special to me and to the 
constituents of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District. Over the 
years, I enjoyed many visits with Florence at St. Catherine University, 
my alma mater and the Carondelet Village. Florence exemplified ``the 
two feet of justice'' by dedicating her life to direct service and 
action for systemic change. Her passionate and unrelenting advocacy for 
peace and justice, along with her deep faith and respect for humanity, 
will live on through all those she taught, mentored and inspired.
  It was an honor and a privilege to call Florence a friend. She will 
remain an inspiration to me and her legacy will continue to inspire 
many for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the remarkable life and 
the dedicated work of Sister (Mary Roman) Florence Steichen, CSJ.

                          ____________________