[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25478]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE FELICIAN SISTERS ON THEIR 150TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 8, 2005

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
Felician Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
Province, as they celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Foundation of 
the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice.
  On November 21, 1855, in Warsaw, Poland, Blessed Mary Angela, who was 
formerly Sophia Truszkowska, and her cousin Clothilde Ciechanoqska, 
solemnly dedicated themselves to do the will of Jesus Christ in all 
things. Hereafter, the Felician Sisters were dedicated to a ministry of 
healing and service, based on Mary Angela's mission of ``responding to 
the needs of the times.''
  Currently, the Felician Sisters number 1,966 members who share the 
charism of their foundress, Blessed Mary Angela, in 11 countries on the 
continents of Africa, Europe, North and South America. In my hometown 
of Livonia, alone, the Felician Sisters have founded St. Mary-Mercy 
Hospital, Madonna University, Ladywood High School, and Angela Hospice.
  St. Mary-Mercy Hospital was founded by the Felician Sisters in 1959. 
The Hospital has grown in its commitment to the community and in 
excellence in clinical care and services. This year St. Mary-Mercy 
Hospital placed in the top five percent nationally for clinical 
excellence, and in the top two percent nationally for patient safety. 
These awards are well deserved recognition for the Felician Sisters, 
physicians, nurses and support staff of the hospital.
  Madonna University was founded by the Felician Sisters in 1937 and is 
one of the largest Catholic Franciscan independent universities in the 
country. Through undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional 
study, Madonna University provides men and women with the opportunities 
for intellectual, spiritual and personal growth.
  Ladywood High School is sponsored by the Felician Sisters and also 
follows the Franciscan tradition. The school aims to educate young 
women in the attainment of Catholic values, human potential, and the 
ability to put faith and knowledge into fruitful action.
  Angela Hospice, founded in 1985, has been providing care for those of 
every age and stage of life that may need it. Angela provides care to 
individuals at home or in a care facility in Livonia, as well as 
support and counseling for family members. Recently, Angela Hospice 
launched the ``Angela House Call'' program to provide home physician 
visits for the elderly--another example of the commitment by the 
Felician Sisters to our community.
  Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of Mary Angela I ask my colleagues to join 
me in commending and applauding the 150th Anniversary of the founding 
of the Felician Sisters and praise their ministry of healing and 
service, and their efforts to maintain the utmost respect for every 
human life.

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