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Een toespraak in het Congres.
CONGRATULATING THE JESUITS OF THE MISSOURI PROVINCE
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HON. JAMES M. TALENT
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 20, 1998
Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jesuits of the Missouri Province as they celebrate the 175th anniversary of the arrival of Jesuits to the St. Louis area. It is a true privilege for me to recognize the many important accomplishments and achievements which have marked the Jesuit presence in the St. Louis area and throughout the entire Midwest.
In May of 1823, a small group of Belgian Jesuits completed their journey from Maryland to St. Louis, to take possession of a farm given to them by the Bishop of the Territory, William Louis Valentine DuBourg. They had originally come here to assist Bishop DuBourg in the establishment of an Indian School, an effort which was endorsed by President Monroe and Indian Commissioner General William. Although the Indian School proved to be an unsuccessful venture, the school was converted into the St. Stanislaus Seminary and would train young Jesuits until 1968.
In 1840, the Jesuit brothers and priests began work on a permanent structure made of limestone. This structure, known as the ``Rock Building,'' still stands today and is the current home of the Jesuit Museum. The Jesuit Museum houses memorabilia of numerous Jesuits who have lived there since 1823. One of the more famous residents of the site was Father Peter John DeSmet, who served as a missionary with many Indian tribes in the plains and northwest. Among his many accomplishments, was a detailed map he provided the U.S. Department of the Interior indicating the location of various Indian tribes. Other famous Jesuits include Fr. Peter Verhaegen who became president of St. Louis University, and Fr. John Elet, who also served as president of St. Louis University and was the founder of Xavier University in Cincinnati.
Countless other Jesuits of the Missouri Province have made a lasting impact in this region by serving as missionaries and founding a number of parishes in the lower Missouri River Valley. Little did that small group of Jesuits realize that their arrival in 1823, would lead to the expansion of the Jesuit presence throughout the Midwest.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in congratulating the Jesuits of the Missouri Province on their 175th anniversary in St. Louis. I also ask that you join me in thanking them for their countless contributions to this region. Their efforts are truly an inspiration and source of pride for all residents of Missouri.
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