- Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to once again pay tribute to Sister Miriam Thomas S.C., a phenomenal individual who has devoted her life to enhancing the lives of others. On Saturday, May 15, 2004, the College of Mount Saint Vincent will award Sister Thomas with the Seton Medal. Named for Saint Elizabeth Seton, this rarely given medal celebrates the virtues of hard work and service and is the highest award the college confers.
- Sister Thomas was born and received her early education in South Brooklyn. Upon graduation from high school, she answered the calling to devote her life to God. At age 18 she entered Sisters of Charity where she received an invaluable theological education as well as a degree from Mount Saint Vincent College in the Bronx. Once she professed her vows, Sister Thomas brought her newly-honed ministry skills to Ascension Grammar School in Manhattan, where she remained for 8 years. She then relocated to Ponce, Puerto Rico where her education was enriched at Catholic University. After years of study she was finally ready for the South Bronx. There, she was assigned to St. Athanasius Parish where she has shared her gift of easing souls and invoking smiles for the past 42 years.
- In 1972, Sister Thomas, along with her neighbors, heard that a woman who served as the administrator of Simpson Street Development Association was murdered while on the job. Courage and an unfaltering sense of devotion allowed Sister Thomas to stand up and fill this important position. There, with a tireless and supportive staff, Sister Thomas works miracles daily by providing social services and emotional guidance to people in need. Beyond these commitments, Sister Thomas also sits on the South Bronx Community Board 2 as chairperson. Her involvements in other community-based organizations are too numerous too mention. She says that her ceaseless community involvement was inspired by Father Louis Gigante, a visionary and dear friend.
- Mr. Speaker, throughout her many years of service Sister Thomas has helped countless people change their outlook on life using her remarkable gift of translating the gospel into terms that lay individuals can understand. She is truly an extraordinary woman who is very much deserving of this prestigious award.
- For her many years of service, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this incredible woman as the College of Mount Saint Vincent honors her with the Seton Medal.
Photo c/o brie.hunter.cuny.edu
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