Reverend Richard W. O'Keeffe
Immaculate Conception Church
Yuma, AZ
Sponsor: Rep. Raul Grijalva, (D-AZ)
Date of Prayer: 02/14/2008
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) is recognized for 1 minute.
There was no objection.
Mr. GRIJALVA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It is my pleasure to welcome Monsignor O'Keeffe as our guest chaplain today.
Monsignor O'Keeffe has been tending to the spiritual and human needs of people in Arizona for over 40 years, of which the last 30 has been in Yuma, Arizona. It is fitting that he provides today's blessing, as we also memorialize the passing of Congressman Lantos, a great champion of human rights.
Monsignor O'Keeffe is highly respected in Yuma and all of Arizona for the work he does on behalf of human rights, civil rights and advocating for the underrepresented in our community.
He is an active member of the community, encouraging community leaders to take responsibility for social justice, recruiting young and old to engage in civic participation. His experience and passion has led him to be a founder of the Yuma Interfaith Organizing Committee.
I am honored to work with him and receive spiritual and community guidance from him. He is a source of strength for all of us who interact with him.
Mr. Speaker, I welcome my friend Monsignor O'Keeffe to the House of Representatives.
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Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Lord of all our endeavors, give to our elected Congress men and women the courage to follow noble aspirations, strength to support worthy causes, integrity to seek the truth, and in all of their legislative duties, be their inspiration and guide.
Lord, You remember forever Your covenant with us. Even though it was centuries ago that You formed a community of family life with us, still You remain continually faithful. Enable us by Your merciful help to keep faith with You, to renew our covenant at important or difficult moments of our life so that at the end we may receive the promise of the covenant.
Lord, to those who believe in You, You promise kindness and truth, justice and peace. When we are faced with difficulties, increase our faith, but do not lower our ideals. From the least likely places You can bring forth the triumph of Your grace. These things we ask in Your name. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory