Father Paul Shaughnessy, S.J.
St. Cecilia Church
Leominster, MA
Sponsor: Rep. s Jim McGovern, Mark DeSaulnier, Seth Moulton, (-)
Date of Prayer: 06/12/2025
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Member Sponsor Congressman Jim McGovern (MA D):
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an extraordinary man, a man of faith and courage, Father Paul Shaughnessy. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and currently serves as a parish priest at St. Cecilia's Church in Leominster, Massachusetts, but his impact extends far beyond any district lines.
He is a Jesuit priest and a Navy Chaplain who has dedicated his life to service. He is a graduate of the College of Holy Cross––a classmate of my colleague, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier––and also a graduate of Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and the Naval War College.
Father Shaughnessy served as a member of the Chaplain Corps of the U.S. Navy and served four tours of duty to Iraq, helping sailors and marines cope with life–and–death issues, while also providing spiritual moral guidance. He was a frontline chaplain through brutal fighting in Iraq with my colleague, Congressman Seth Moulton.
Mr. Speaker, Father Shaughnessy is not just a priest. He is a quiet force who brings peace and strength to those in the toughest of circumstances. I am honored to have him here with us today.
Member Sponsor Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA D):
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Father Paul Shaughnessy and to welcome him as our guest chaplain for today.
I first met Father Shaughnessy at the College of the Holy Cross in Mr. McGovern's district, in Worcester, Massachusetts. We were classmates, friends, teammates, and we spent an occasional evening in Worcester at an Irish bar having a pint, maybe two––we were young––talking about life.
Father Shaughnessy joined the Jesuits and became an ordained priest before making the noble decision to enlist in the Marines in 1994.
Lieutenant Commander Shaughnessy brought faith and comfort to many soldiers, including a congregation of 32,000 in Iraq.
His impact has earned him a number of accolades, such as Meritorious Service Medals and the Navy and Marine Corps commendation medals.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Father Paul Shaughnessy for his service and for sharing his wisdom and faith with us today.
Member Sponsor Congressman Seth Moulton (MA D):
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize my friend, Father Shaughnessy.
I was at a marine reunion this weekend, and we heard remarkable stories of heroism from ordinary Americans who signed up for the Marine Corps, who did heroic things. There were a lot of stories about marines. There were stories about one civilian who was with us in the fight, who, as we were getting hit with incoming rounds, would walk thoughtlessly amongst us to give us comfort. When marines were getting hit, he didn't seem to care. One marine told a story of him showing up on a stack of marines going into a room, and the marine turned around and said: Father, you probably shouldn't be right here.
Father Shaughnessy never met a marine who didn't respect him, just like he never met an R he could pronounce. Yes, every time he opened his mouth, we knew he was from Worcester, Massachusetts. What he said with his words inspired courage in all of us.
Father Shaughnessy is a friend. He is a leader, and he is an American hero.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
God, our Father in Heaven, hear our prayers for this House and each of its Members. Guide them in the work they do for us this day.
Dedicate them, Lord, in the words of our first American Pope, to the American virtues of peace, justice, and truth.
May they know peace as a gift from God, born only in the heart of those who forswear pride and vindictiveness, and of a desire to communicate rather than clash.
May they act with justice, respecting the dignity of every person, especially the most frail and vulnerable, as the dignity of a creature willed and loved by God.
May each of their actions this day be built upon a love for the truth, the truth which seeks the well–being of each of our citizens.
Hear this prayer, O Lord, of we who are utterly dependent upon You, O Lord, God forever and ever. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory