Washington, DC - U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18) will welcome Sister Sara Kowal of Peoria for Pope Francis' congressional address on Thursday, September 24th.

"I am excited to welcome Sister Sara Kowal to Washington for Pope Francis' historical congressional address," said Congressman Darin LaHood. "This will be the first time Congress has been addressed by a sitting Pope. Extending an invitation to Sister Sara was an honor and I cannot think of anyone more fitting to be representing the people of Central and West Central Illinois in the house gallery."

"I give thanks to the Lord for the opportunity given to me," said Sister Sara Kowal. "It's a privilege to represent Notre Dame High School, the Diocese of Peoria, and the people of the 18th Congressional District in the House Gallery during this historical address. I am deeply grateful for Congressman LaHood providing me with this opportunity to represent the people of the 18th Congressional District."

Sister Sara Kowal currently serves as a theology teacher and campus minister at Peoria Notre Dame High School.  In addition to her work at Notre Dame, she also does music ministry, and gives talks, conferences and courses on formation. Prior to joining Peoria Notre Dame High School, she served the Diocese of Peoria as the Assistant Director of the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center on the campus of Illinois State University. Kowal entered into religious life on December 12, 2009, when she took her vows on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

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