United States House of Representatives Honors Work of Women Religious On September 22. a resolution honoring the social, cultural and political contributions of Catholic sisters and the roles they have played in shaping life in the United States was unanimously approved by those present in the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution, HR 441, pays tribute to the first Catholic sisters to live and work in the United States – nine Ursuline Sisters who journeyed from France to New Orleans in 1727; to the sisters work establishing the nation’s largest private school system; building hospitals, orphanages and charitable institutions; caring for the poor; and serving as activists in promoting peace, justice and democracy. HR 441 further recognize the sisters’ roles in opening the American West, nursing the sick during epidemics and “managing organizations long before similar positions were open to women.” LCWR History Committee The resolution was introduced by Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) last May and co-sponsored by Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH, 17th district), Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-OH, 6th district) and 65 members from both parties in response to the “Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” traveling exhibit. The exhibit is sponsored by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR). The full text of the resolution is available on the LCWR Web site.