[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24160]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE MONASTERY OF THE GLORIOUS CROSS AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 
                            50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 27, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
join the Benedictines of Jesus Crucified of the Monastery of the 
Glorious Cross as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary--a milestone 
for this community of nineteen.
  Seventy-five years ago, Father Maurice Gaucheron, a priest on the 
staff of the Basilica of Montmatre in Paris and Suzanne Wrotnowska, the 
future Mother Marie des Deouleurs, began plans to open the doors of 
monastic life to women who, though interested in pursuing this path, 
were unable to do so due to their fragile health. From the very 
beginning, the Monastery of the Holy Cross formed on the Rule of Saint 
Benedictine which emphasizes a listening heart, obedience, silence, and 
humility. In 1930, during a Mass celebrated in the crypt of Montmatre, 
Mother Marie des Douleurs and the first sisters were consecrated and 
their journey began.
  The Monastery of the Glorious Cross in Branford, Connecticut was 
established just fifty years ago and is the only order of the 
Benedictines of Jesus Crucified in the United States. Houses of worship 
play a critical role in all of our communities. It is to these walls 
that so many turn in times of their greatest need. The Congregation at 
the Monastery of the Glorious Cross has always opened its doors to 
those in need of spiritual guidance and comfort. The public is welcomed 
to celebrate their daily Mass, the community sponsors a monthly day of 
recollection, and they also provide Mass cards and spiritual bouquets. 
It has been through their generosity and compassion that the Monastery 
of the Glorious Cross has become a local treasure. Every community 
should be so fortunate.
  Today, as they celebrate their Golden Jubilee, the Sisters of the 
Monastery of the Glorious Cross will reflect on their own history as 
well as all that they have given to our community. It is my great 
pleasure to join Sister Mary Agatha, the Superior of the community, and 
all of the sisters of the Monastery of the Glorious Cross as they 
celebrate this very special occasion. I am honored to extend my deepest 
thanks and appreciation to them for all of their good work.

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