February 14, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 29 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Pages S1381-S1382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, this year marks the 160th 
year that the Church of St. Michael the Archangel has served the people 
of South Providence and the larger Rhode Island community. Rhode 
Island's earliest values are of inclusion, acceptance, and respect for 
difference. The founder of our State, Roger Williams, went off into an 
unknown wilderness and established a land in which tolerance and 
religious openness were the new standard. In keeping with these 
founding principles, the community of St. Michael's has been a place of 
welcome since its inception.
  Generations of immigrants built this country; yet too often, those 
who come seeking the American dream are met with discrimination. 
Originally serving Irish and Western European immigrant populations 
often pushed to the margins of society, St. Michael's has expanded to 
incorporate the Providence of today, a multicultural, multilingual 
community.
  Faith compels work toward fairness and justice for all living beings, 
regardless of nationality or social status. St. Michael's has fostered 
a vibrant community of people who are answering that call. The people 
of St. Michael's have partnered with nonprofit groups and other faith 
organizations to carry out meaningful advocacy work and provide direct 
services to those in need. It has been a privilege to know and work 
alongside church leaders like Sister Mary Reilly, Father Ray Malm, and 
the late Sister Ann Keefe. Their tireless advocacy and spirit of 
service have been manifested through the good works of numerous 
community organizations including Sophia Academy, Providence CityArts, 
AIDS Care Ocean State, and the Institute for the Study and Practice of 
Nonviolence. These groups have made rich and diverse contributions to 
the character of Rhode Island.
  The immigrant spirit of perseverance is shared in the moral fiber of 
this country. In Rhode Island, St. Michael's church has been a symbol 
of refuge and hope for 160 years. They have made our State and the city 
of Providence better through their dedication to public life. I applaud 
the work of St. Michael's and its pastor, Father Robert Perron, and I 
congratulate the venerated parish on 160 years of service.

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