[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REV. LOUIS CAESAR CAPPO

                                 ______


                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 1996

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker and Members of the U.S. House of 
Representatives, it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of 
this body and the Nation a remarkable individual who has devoted his 
life to helping others. Rev. Louis C. Cappo is celebrating his 50th 
anniversary of ordination into the priesthood on June 8, 1996. 
Throughout his career Reverend Cappo has enriched Michigan's Upper 
Peninsula economically, socially, but most important spiritually. He is 
currently Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral parish, a parish known for 
their poetic liturgies and beautiful music.
  Reverend Cappo was born and raised in Houghton County, in Michigan's 
Upper Peninsula. He attended St. Lawrence College and St. Francis 
Seminary in Wisconsin, graduating in 1943 with a degree in theology. On 
June 8, 1946, Father Cappo was ordained a priest in Milwaukee at St. 
John's Cathedral. After ordination he returned to the Upper Peninsula, 
beginning his ministry in Ishpeming. Reverend Cappo spent his first 25 
years of ministry serving parishes, hospitals, and Catholic schools 
throughout the Upper Peninsula from St. Ignace to Hancock to Escanaba.
  In 1972, Reverend Cappo settled in Sault Ste. Marie when Bishop 
Salatka appointed him executive director of the Tower of History and 
head of the department of community services and family life for the 
Marquette diocese. In this assignment, Father Cappo's responsibilities 
included running various social and community programs, including the 
Campaign for Human Development, Natural Family Programming, marriage, 
family, and individual counseling, infant and special needs adoptions, 
and infant foster care programs. Father Cappo served as director of the 
department of community service and family life for 13 years. In 1975, 
he was appointed to his present position, Rector of St. Peter's 
Cathedral.
  Reverend Cappo is known throughout the Upper Peninsula not only for 
his devotion to improving our spiritual life and social programs, but 
also for the work he has done to help improve the area's economy. One 
of his most noteworthy accomplishments was in 1966 when he was 
instrumental in bringing natural gas to the Upper Peninsula. Father 
Cappo has participated in the International Trade Commission, the U.S. 
Small Business Administration Advisory Council and the Marquette United 
Way Board of Directors. He has also been chairperson of the Michigan 
Tourist Council and is currently Chaplain to the Michigan State police.
  Reverend Cappo's devotion is recognized by colleagues, Catholics, and 
fellow citizens throughout our State. As an example of his devotion, in 
1974 he was presented with the Northern Michigan University President's 
Award for outstanding citizenship. This remarkable man is 76 years old 
and as devoted to his priesthood as ever.
  Mr. Speaker, in Hebrews it states, ``one does not take this honor on 
his own initiative, but only when called upon by God, as Aaron was, you 
are a priest forever.'' Father Cappo has been called by God to be a 
spiritual leader for all the residents of the Upper Peninsula of 
Michigan. For whenever we have called upon Father Cappo he has been 
there for us. It is appropriate that we give honor to Father Cappo and 
as we recognize Father Cappo's achievements, we give honor to God. 
Honor to God through his priest, who is our priest forever.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of St. Peter's Parish, the Marquette diocese, 
and the entire State of Michigan, I congratulate Rev. Louis Cappo on 
this golden anniversary of his ordination into priesthood.

                          ____________________