[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22010]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF THE COMMISSION ON CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ACTION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Commission on 
Catholic Community Action's 25th Anniversary of the Peace and Justice 
Awards Dinner.
  Established in 1969, the Commission on Catholic Community Action 
continuously pursues their mission to protect and promote human 
dignity, with a special focus on poor and disenfranchised groups. 
Seeking to empower the voiceless, CCCA achieves their goals through 
education, consciousness-raising, organization, mobilization, and 
advocating for change.
  CCCA also promotes peace and justice through the Annual Peace and 
Justice Awards Dinner. For a quarter of a century, the dinner has been 
an opportunity to reward the people of the Cleveland community who have 
dedicated their lives to the causes of peace and justice for all. These 
men, women, and organizations play a pivotal role in the rebirth of 
Cleveland. I would like to join CCCA in recognizing this year's 
recipients: Duane Drotar, Lida Roman (posthumously), the Christ Child 
Society, Sr. Mary Louise Trivson, S.N.D., and the Women's Re-Entry 
Network.
  In addition, keynote speakers at these events have educated the 
public on issues such as racial discrimination and interfaith 
understanding. Generating community awareness throughout Cleveland, the 
CCCA has provided participants with a new appreciation for celebrating 
multicultural diversity within the city. Speaking at the Awards Dinner 
this year is Sr. Mary Sujita Kallupurakkathu, S.N.D., sharing her 
experiences of working with the poor.
  Congratulations to the CCCA on their constant pursuit of peace and 
justice. We can conceive of peace as not simply the absence of violence 
but the presence of the capacity for a higher evolution of human 
awareness, of respect, trust, and integrity. We can conceive of peace 
as a tool to tap the infinite capabilities of humanity to transform 
consciousness and conditions that impel or compel violence at a 
personal, group, or national level, toward creating understanding, 
compassion, and love.
  My fellow colleagues, join me in honoring the Commission on Catholic 
Community Action, as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their 
Annual Peace and Justice Awards Dinner.

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