Reverend John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J.
Regis University
Denver, CO
Sponsor: Rep. Gil Cisneros, (D-CA)
Date of Prayer: 07/17/2019
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I am delighted to welcome to this
Chamber Father John P. Fitzgibbons, who delivered today's opening prayer.
A native of Omaha, Nebraska, he entered the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus in 1973, and he was ordained as a priest in 1985.
Like all good Jesuits, Father Fitzgibbons has dedicated his life to
God and to education. He currently holds bachelor's degrees in
philosophy and English, two master's degrees in theology, a master's in
English, as well as a Ph.D. in English.
He had stints teaching at Creighton and Marquette Universities, and he served as the dean of the College of Professional Studies at the University of San Francisco. He would later return to Marquette University to serve as the associate provost for faculty development. In 2012, he was appointed the 24th president of my alma mater, Regis University.
Madam Speaker, I thank Father Fitzgibbons for his 26 years in education, his 34 years as a priest, and his 46 years of dedication to
God. It has been a tremendous pleasure having him here today.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Most Holy God, please unite and guide the leaders in this House to recognize, to speak for, and to safeguard the vulnerable and the marginalized in all corners of our Nation.
Help us to hear and to champion the rights of dreamers of all colors, all contexts, and all ages, especially the young, whose ardent desire is to know and to build a better society.
Help us to illuminate the path and to advocate for our country's learners and their teachers so that access to education and the power of knowledge will continue to produce servant leaders committed to democracy, equality, and justice.
Help us to unite our hearts and our minds, to share freely of our gifts, to reflect critical thought and responsible action on moral and ethical issues, and to be men and women for others that both You and our constituents expect and deserve. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory