The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Michael J. Greer

Good Shepherd Catholic Church
Miami, FL

Sponsor: Rep. Hon. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, (R-FL)
Date of Prayer: 06/25/2003

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ–BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure and truly an honor this morning to welcome to the United States House of Representatives my friend, Father Michael Greer. Michael Greer is truly a wonderful human being and our community in South Florida is so very privileged that he lives and works with us.

Father Greer has been a teacher of theology. He possesses extraordinary academic credentials, with degrees in theological and liturgical studies from various institutions of higher learning, including the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, Father Greer's hometown. Father Greer has taught at the St. Vincent De Paul Seminary and Florida International University. But most of all Michael Greer has become known and beloved in our community by and through his work as the pastor of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Miami for the last 16 years.

The Good Shepherd community has flourished during Father Greer's years there. Love, compassion and mercy toward our fellow human beings are not only practiced at Good Shepherd, their presence there is perceived by our entire diverse community.

Michael Greer does not only believe in diversity, he lives it each day in his work, including his constant visits to the sick and his masses, in English, Spanish and Creole.

Good Shepherd now has a wonderful school, also. We are privileged today to have the presence as well of the school's distinguished principal, Dr. Maria Elena Lopez.

Mr. Speaker, the Congress of the United States is honored today by the visit of a humble and great man, Father Michael Greer of Miami.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Gracious God,

Extend Your guidance and inspiration over this legislative body. May they find the ways and means to extend assistance to those in need; appropriate fairly and buildup foreign relations so to promote harmony and a spirit of collaboration. Deliver the United States from violence and what divides so to be more faithful to the words we so often say and pray – one nation under God.

And as we are so fortunate to be able to speak and act freely – yet responsibly – may they encourage that right here and everywhere so as to promote liberty and justice for all.

And so, bless these Members of Congress, and as they receive suggestions from their constituents, so may they also receive the support they need from the people they represent and be assured of Your providential care in their lives and for this nation.

Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory