Most Reverend Theodore Cardinal McCarrick
Archbishop of Washington
Washington, DC
Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Connie Morella, (R-MD)
Date of Prayer: 10/16/2001
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mrs. MORELLA. Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege this afternoon to welcome His Eminence, Theodore Cardinal McCarrick , Archbishop of Washington. I want to thank him for offering the opening prayer.
Cardinal McCarrick has a long and distinguished record of service to the Church in New York, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, and now here in Washington, which includes my district of Montgomery County, Maryland. He certainly is a gift to the Archdiocese of Washington. The Archdiocese is very diverse with a population that has both common and also specific needs. Upon being named to the College of Cardinals this year, he said that his new responsibilities will not change his pledge to reach out "to serve the poor and the stranger among us with all my heart and strength." And he has been doing just that.
Ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of New York in 1958, Cardinal McCarrick received a Ph.D. from and held several posts at the Catholic University of America here in Washington. He has served as the President of the Catholic University of Puerto Rico, auxiliary bishop of New York, the first Bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey, and Archbishop of Newark.
He was installed as Archbishop of Washington on January 3, 2001; and 7 weeks later, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II. He is known for his efforts on behalf of international human rights, religious freedom and migration, and serves on the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom. He also speaks many languages.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues, I thank Cardinal McCarrick for leading us in prayer today. I welcome him to the United States House of Representatives. We appreciate his presence, his guidance and his blessing on this House as we begin our critical work today.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
O Lord, Our God, once again we come before You in a troubled time, grateful for Your presence in our lives and for the love with which You continue to bless us.
Today in a special way we ask You to bless this House of the people. Keep its members safe and strong so that they may lead this nation forward along the road of peace and justice in the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness for all.
Let not fear or anxiety ever rule us but let us find strength and purpose in our trust in You.
From the beginning of our history You have carried us in Your Hands. Accompany us now in the difficult journey of these days so that we may accomplish all that which You desire in the power of Your Holy Name.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory