{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-presents-congressional-record-celebrating-ave-maria-parish", "D\u00edaz-Balart Presents Congressional Record Celebrating Ave Maria Parish Choir\u2019s White House Christmas Performance", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Mario D\u00edaz-Balart (FL-26), Dean of the Florida Delegation, presented a Congressional Record entry celebrating the Ave Maria Parish Choir for its performance on December 9th as part of the 2025 White House Christmas tradition.\n\nEach year, the White House receives hundreds of applications, with only a select few chosen to perform. Being invited is a distinct and meaningful honor. Performances traditionally take place on the State Floor of the White House at the invitation of the President and First Lady, featuring musical groups from across the United States.\n\nCongressman D\u00edaz-Balart said, \u201cIt is a tremendous honor and privilege to represent Ave Maria, Florida, and I am elated to present this Congressional Record entry recognizing the Ave Maria Parish\u2019s outstanding performance at the White House.\n\nThe Ave Maria community has become a spiritual home and a strong foundation for countless Catholics who have sought a place centered on faith, family, and fellowship. Every group that performs at the White House becomes a special part of its history and in the story of American greatness. I could not be prouder of the Ave Maria community for this extraordinary achievement.\n\nI congratulate the 30 musicians from the Ave Maria Parish who performed over ten songs and commend Fr. David Vidal and Mark Hass, the Director of Music at the Parish, for their leadership and dedication. I would also like to recognize outstanding Ave Maria residents Michael Caputo and Manuel Milan\u00e9s.\n\nThis is a truly memorable occasion for our entire Southern Florida community.\u201d\n\nRead the full resolution here or below\n\n\"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our very own Ave Maria Parish Choir, hand-selected by the White House to participate in a performance in our nation\u2019s capital. Their performance this week honors not only their flourishing parish, but our entire Southwest Florida community.\n\nFrom its inception, the Ave Maria Parish Choir\u2014directed with vision and care by Marian Mandy\u2014has embraced a calling to elevate worship through the universal language of sacred music. This ensemble embodies the Parish\u2019s commitment to forming hearts, minds, and voices for the glory of God.\n\nThe Ave Maria community itself provides the rich foundation from which this choir and its ministries have grown. Since its establishment in 2007, between Naples and Fort Lauderdale, Ave Maria has become a spiritual home for countless Catholics who have sought a community like this one. In the heart of Collier County, the town reflects a way of life centered on faith, family, and fellowship. Children ride bicycles to the parochial school, neighbors walk to the grocery store, and the iconic parish church stands as the community\u2019s centerpiece. Across the street, Ave Maria University brings youthful energy and academic pursuit. With the Gulf Coast beaches to the west and the vibrant cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale to the east, Ave Maria is as connected as it is serene.\n\nThis parish community\u2019s hospitality extends far beyond its sanctuary walls. Ave Maria Parish has always warmly welcomed newcomers and long-time residents alike. Through its ministries, activities, and open invitations to explore parish life, Ave Maria continues to gather people seeking deeper communion with God and neighbor.\n\nAs we celebrate the contributions of the Ave Maria Parish Choir and the broader community they represent, we recognize a church alive with faith, service, and song. It is an honor to acknowledge their devotion and talent today, and I look forward to witnessing the continued impact they will have on the lives of countless more.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-presents-congressional-record-celebrating-ave-maria-parish"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.5560509636998177, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}