[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 64 (Thursday, May 9, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H4655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 WELCOMING REV. MSGR. MARK J. GIORDANI

  (Mr. MARTINI asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, today I welcome to the House of 
Representatives a good friend of all of the people of the Eighth 
Congressional District of New Jersey, Monsignor Mark J. Giordani.
  Monsignor Giordani is not only a spiritual leader but also a renowned 
civic activist in the finest sense of the word. He is a man whom I have 
come to admire and respect.
  As a young child, he lost his father to the anger of Italian 
fascists. Following this tragic incident, his mother turned to the 
strength of Christianity and instilled this faith in her son. This 
guiding force led the monsignor to a new and spiritual life in America.
  Upon immigrating to the United States, the monsignor received a 
bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from St. Bonaventure University 
and a master's of divinity from Christ the King Seminary in New York.
  During his seminary years, the monsignor dedicated endless hours to 
the poor, cultivating a passion to help the most unfortunate in our 
community. This passion was fulfilled through his appointment as a 
copastor of St. Gerard's parish in New Jersey. He was responsible for 
the founding of several local charitable organizations.
  On November 1, 1987, Monsignor Giordani was appointed rector of St. 
John's Cathedral, and serves as spiritual leader day in and day out, 
offering his overwhelming kindness. No person is ever considered too 
big or too small to receive the attention of Monsignor Giordani.
  Mr. Speaker, Monsignor Giordani is a spiritual pillar in our 
community. I offer admiration for his past and continued good services. 
Indeed, the people of the Eighth Congressional District of New Jersey 
have well become richer through the deeds, efforts, and spiritual 
guidance of the monsignor.

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