[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 2 (Thursday, January 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E19]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    MONSIGNOR HARRY J. BYRNE, J.C.D. ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS 
                          PRIESTLY ORDINATION

                                 ______


                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 1996

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues the achievements of Msgr. Harry J. Byrne, pastor of 
Epiphany Parish, on this happy occasion--the 50th anniversary of his 
priestly ordination. Monsignor Byrne has played an extraordinary role 
in my community, both in civic and in spiritual matters.
  The Monsignor entered St. Joseph's Seminary in 1940, was ordained on 
December 1, 1945, and later went on to complete a doctoral degree in 
Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, in our Nation's 
capital.
  After holding varied positions with the Archdiocesan Chancery, 
Monsignor Byrne was appointed Chancellor in 1968. Through his work with 
the Archdioces, he was part of an enormously successful project under 
which $300 million low and moderate income housing units were 
constructed.
  Later, as a public appointee of Mayor Edward I. Koch to the Rent 
Guidelines Board, he was actively involved in a host of issues 
concerning affordable housing and housing rights.
  Many New Yorkers are indebted to Monsignor Byrne for his tireless 
efforts on behalf of tenants who undoubtedly gained because of his fair 
and just voice on the Rent Guidelines Board.
  In 1982, Monsignor Byrne was appointed pastor of Epiphany Parish, 
where his dedication and devotion have earned him the praise of all who 
have had the good fortune to work with him. During his tenure at 
Epiphany Parish, Monsignor Byrne has been a creative and innovative 
leader. Among the important changes he has initiated are the early 
introduction of altar girls, the establishment of a restricted 
endowment fund, and the expansion of the Epiphany School. The 
Monsignor's efforts do not stop at the church doors. He volunteers in 
the community as well, serving as vice president of the local Ronald 
McDonald House.
  Monsignor Byrne is a very special friend of mine who has given a 
great deal to his community through his work in religious realm as well 
as his involvement in housing issues and other volunteer activities.
  So I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Monsignor Byrne 
on his extraordinary achievements and in wishing him well in his next 
50 years of service to God and to his community.

                          ____________________