The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Fred Lucci

All Saints Catholic Newman Center
Arizona State University, AZ

Sponsor: Rep. Harry Mitchell, (D-AZ)
Date of Prayer: 05/21/2008

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Mitchell) is recognized for 1 minute.

There was no objection.

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, my guest today, Father Fred Lucci, is the Director of the All Saints Catholic Newman Center in Tempe, which I have attended for more than 40 years.

I am proud Father Fred, as those of us in Tempe call him, could join us today because he is my pastor and my friend. In fact, he is a friend and mentor to the thousands of parishioners at the Newman Center.

Father Fred has a good heart and a special gift. While it may be easy to provide guidance to long–time parishioners like myself, Father Fred continues to have a positive influence on the lives of thousands of students at Arizona State.

In the 1980s, freshman Fred Lucci arrived at Arizona State University's campus with a music scholarship and his clarinet. His ability to connect with students has endured today. Today, Father Fred is a fixture on campus, easily recognized, eager to listen, and always faithful and helpful in guiding students to strengthen their own spiritual relationships. He has led humanitarian missions and pilgrimages that have lifted the souls of all who participate.

Throughout his years in the priesthood, Father Fred has helped students who need it most find their strength within. In the process, he has made Arizona State a more compassionate campus one student at a time. And he has built a parish that has helped shape Tempe into a more decent and caring community.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Gracious and loving God, creator and source of everything that is good, You have blessed us in ways beyond anything we could have imagined for ourselves. Please always keep us mindful that every good thing we have, every possession, every talent, every relationship, our health and very life itself is a gift from You. Mindful of these blessings, make us always–generous people in Your own image.

Look now upon this assembly and fill them with the spirit of Your wisdom. May every decision they make reflect Your goodness, promote and protect the dignity of every member of our society, especially the weakest and most vulnerable among us, and be for the peace and well–being of all.

Finally, loving God, we place into Your healing hands our brother, Senator Edward Kennedy. Please give him strength and comfort him, his family, and all who love him.

We ask You this in hope, Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory