Reverend Michael J. Cronin
Diocese of Winona, MN
Sponsor: Rep. Hon. Gil Gutknecht, (R-MN)
Date of Prayer: 04/24/2001
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
(Mr. GUTKNECHT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, we are delighted to welcome the Reverend Michael Cronin today as our guest chaplain. Father Cronin was born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota, and graduated in 1988 from St. John's University in Collegeville. After graduation, Father Cronin came to Washington, D.C. to work as a staff assistant to my predecessor, Congressman Tim Penny.
In 1990, Father Cronin returned to Minnesota to begin his studies for the priesthood. Father Cronin was ordained in June of 1995 and went on to serve as assistant pastor at his home parish, the Church of St. Pius X in Rochester.
During this time, he also served as a chaplain and instructor at Lourdes High School. In 1998, Father Cronin was assigned to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, Minnesota, where he also served as chaplain at the Newman Center of Winona State University.
Last year, Father Cronin began full–time studies in the Department of Canon Law at the Catholic University of America here in Washington, D.C. Upon completion, he hopes to return to the Diocese of Winona.
Permit me, Mr. Speaker, to thank Father Cronin for serving as our guest chaplain today and for his service to the young people of the First District of Minnesota.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty and eternal God, in Your great mercy, You have revealed Your glory to all the nations. Let the light of Your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress and shine forth in all these proceedings and laws framed for our government. May those who serve in this body be enabled by Your powerful protection to discharge their duties with honesty and integrity. May they seek to preserve peace, promote national happiness, and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality. May all people in this great land be preserved in union and peace and, after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal. We pray to You, who are Lord and God, forever and ever. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory