Reverend Kevin F. O'Brien, S.J.
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
Sponsor: Rep. Zoe Lofgren, (D-CA)
Date of Prayer: 03/05/2020
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to note that Father Kevin O'Brien of the Society of Jesus was our guest this morning to deliver this morning's opening prayer for this House.
Father O'Brien joined our Silicon Valley community 4 years ago, and just last year he was named president of Santa Clara University. As an alum of Santa Clara University Law School myself, I am glad to see Father O'Brien focusing his presidency on college affordability and access, as well as fostering a culture of respect on campus.
Now a religious leader in Silicon Valley, Father O'Brien speaks of
how disruption can lift people up instead of dividing people. Father
O'Brien is dedicated to serving something larger than himself, which is
a trait we deeply admire and value as Americans.
I am personally grateful to him for the leadership he has shown to standing up for Dreamers and those who are vulnerable in our community and across America.
It is my pleasure to welcome Father O'Brien to our Nation's Capital
today and to thank him for his service to our community, our country,
and to the University of Santa Clara.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Loving God, creator of all, we thank You for the gift of another day, to live and to learn, to love and to serve.
As our Nation faces the impact of the coronavirus, we pray for the health of our people. Bless and inspire our medical professionals, our public health officials, and researchers in their fight against the virus. We pray for those who have died and those who are sick.
Bless the people of this House, those elected and those who support their work. Give them Your discerning wisdom as they go about their labors. Bless them with courage and determination to do the hard work of justice–building and peacemaking. Gift them with a spirit of solidarity and understanding to collaborate across differences to serve the common good. And help them to always listen to the most vulnerable
and voiceless in our land.
May every prayer and work of ours today begin from You, dear Lord, and through You be happily ended. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory