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<September 19 , 2006> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—September 19, 2006— The Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Agana, delivered the opening prayer in the historic chamber of the United States House of Representatives in the United State Capitol on Tuesday, September 19, 2006. Archbishop Apuron was invited to serve as Guest Chaplain by Father Daniel P. Coughlin of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the current Chaplain of the House, at Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo’s request. Congresswoman Bordallo, in a speech on the House floor following the convening of the House on Tuesday, welcomed Archbishop Apuron, introduced him to her colleagues, and thanked the Archbishop for his years of ministry, guidance, and counsel within the Archdiocese. Archbishop Apuron was in Last week, Congresswoman Bordallo entered remarks into the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD in tribute to the enshrinement and in recognition of the historic pilgrimage to the nation’s capital. Over 100 guests in town for the occasion were hosted to a tour of the United States Capitol by Congresswoman Bordallo and her staff on Tuesday. The group was also seated in the House gallery for Archbishop Apuron’s prayer and the Congresswoman’s speech. “Serving as a Guest Chaplain in the House is a rare and special privilege. Beginning the daily session of Congress with prayer is a tradition that dates back to the earliest Congresses. On Tuesday, we were proud that Archbishop Apuron, a respected spiritual leader in our island community, was given this honor. The Archbishop’s prayer was inspirational. His prayer was a fitting conclusion to this historic pilgrimage to our nation’s Capitol and a wonderful way to share our culture with other Members in the House of Representatives,” Congresswoman Bordallo said. Archbishop Apuron is son of the late Manuel Taijito Apuron and Ana Santos Sablan. He was ordained into the priesthood on August 26, 1972 and installed as the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Agana on May 11, 1986. This past Tuesday was the third occasion Archbishop Apuron led the House of Representatives in prayer. Archbishop Apuron also served as Guest Chaplain on November 12, 2003, and on November 16, 1993. The text of the prayer offered by Archbishop Apuron this past Tuesday follows: “Almighty and eternal God, whose goodness fills our hearts with joy and whose love permeates our daily lives, You are blessed for bringing us together to work in harmony, in peace, and in justice. Send Your blessings upon our United States House of Representatives, who generously devote themselves to the work of our Nation and territories in the laws they pass and the resolutions they create. In times of difficulty, challenge and need, grant them the strength to transcend personal interests and seek only after the common good for all. Strengthen them, Lord, with Your grace and wisdom so that everything that they do may begin with Your inspiration, may continue with Your guidance and, by You, be happily ended. Grace us with Your saving presence and aid us with Your constant blessing. All glory and praise be to You, our ever-living God, forever and ever. Amen.” The text of Congresswoman Bordallo’s speech on the House floor introducing Archbishop Apuron follows: WELCOMING THE MOST REVEREND ANTHONY SABLAN APURON, O.F.M. CAP., D.D. METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOP OF “Mr. Speaker: Today, it is my privilege and honor to welcome His Excellency, the Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Agana, Archbishop Apuron is a man of great faith, wisdom and inspiration. He has shepherded the faithful on Guam, the Northern Marianas, The Catholic Church in the Pacific has blossomed under his leadership and our communities have greatly benefited from his ministry. This past weekend, Archbishop Apuron led a pilgrimage from Guam to I thank Archbishop Apuron for his prayer this afternoon and for his guidance and counsel throughout the years. The People of Guam join me in thanking you, Mr. Speaker, and our House Chaplain, Father Daniel Coughlin, for the invitation to Archbishop Apuron to serve as Guest Chaplain. Thank you. Si Yu’os Ma’ase. God Bless ### Contact: Joseph E. Duenas in 671-477-4272/4. joseph.duenas@mail.house.gov or joy.james@mail.house.gov . |
