[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13168]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE SISTERS AND TO OSF ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RAY LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 16, 2002

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to 
the Sisters and to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, 
for celebrating 125 years of continuous service to the people of 
Central Illinois.
  In 1876, six German sisters were invited to come to Peoria to provide 
nursing care to the sick and injured. The Sisters' dedication to their 
mission, and to Central Illinois, led them to establish their own order 
on July 16, 1877, calling themselves The Sisters of the Third Order of 
Saint Francis. Their first hospital, today's OSF St. Francis, was also 
established that year.
  The Sisters' mission to serve with the greatest care and love led to 
a commitment to the poor that has never wavered. OSF St. Francis 
Medical Center has been in the forefront of medical innovation, 
technology and service for 125 years.
  During the time that I was growing up on the East Bluff of Peoria, I 
lived just a few blocks from St. Francis Hospital. As a matter of fact, 
my two brothers and I were born at St. Francis. During the 25 years 
that we lived on the East Bluff, St. Francis provided the best health 
care our family could have hoped for. The Sisters really took a great 
deal of interest in their patients. We are so fortunate to have such a 
long-standing tradition of outstanding health care in our community.
  Therefore, I extend my congratulations and sincere gratitude to the 
Sisters and OSF St. Francis Medical Center for their tremendous 
dedication and loyal service to the people of Central Illinois.

                          ____________________