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[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

    HONORING THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH OF ANSONIA, CONNECTICUT AS THEY 
                   CELEBRATE THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Holy Rosary Church, 
its staff, and congregation as they commemorate their 100th 
Anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone for this community treasure 
and certainly cause for great celebration!
  In the late nineteenth century, Italians began to settle in the City 
of Ansonia and within a few short decades the Italian population had 
risen to the hundreds. Families began to seek their own religious 
center and so they approached the Assumption Parish to request the use 
of the church and it was graciously granted. The first mass was 
celebrated on October 4, 1908 and as this was the first Sunday of 
October, it was also Rosary Sunday--and so the title was found, the 
Holy Rosary Church.
  The Holy Rosary Church has not only been a center for religious 
worship, but a vehicle through which their members could give back to 
the community. The St. Ann's Society for women, the St. Joseph's 
Society for men, and the Children of Mary Sodality for young women were 
all quickly founded following the establishment of the church and they 
were later joined by the Catholic Men's Club, the Catholic Women's 
Club, the Rosary Guild, and the parish's Catholic Youth Organization. 
The societies can be credited with bringing the annual feasts honoring 
patron saints to their neighbors as well as succeeding in raising the 
capitol funds needed not only to purchase the property on which the 
church resides, but also to completely renovate the church several 
times throughout its history.
  Our churches play a vital role in our communities-- providing people 
with a place to turn to for comfort when they are most in need. The 
members of the Holy Rosary Church have also given much to the City of 
Ansonia. Throughout the years, as their membership grew so did its 
commitment to the enrichment of this community. By strengthening our 
bonds of faith, the Holy Rosary Church gives its members a place to 
find their spiritual center and to solidify and support their values.
  In its 100 year history, the Holy Rosary Church has built a strong 
foundation and its success is due to the dedication and commitment of 
each and every member of its congregation. Through their ministry and 
outreach efforts, they have left an indelible mark on our community and 
continue to enrich the lives of others. That is why I am so pleased to 
stand today to offer my sincere congratulations as they mark this very 
special centennial anniversary. The families, parishioners, and staff 
have much to be proud of as they celebrate this 100th anniversary year.

                          ____________________
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