[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 143 (Monday, October 21, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MSGR. LOUIS BIHR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 21, 1996

  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a real 
American hero. I am talking of Msgr. Louis Bihr, pastor of Immaculate 
Heart of Mary Church in Wayne, NJ.
  Mr. Speaker, Monsignor Bihr (``Father Lou'') has devoted over 25 
years of his life to preaching god's word. Known for his devotion to 
mass, prayer, love and kindness, Father Lou has served at Blessed 
Sacrament Parish, t. Joseph's Parish, St. Boniface Parish and St. 
Gerald's Church. Mr. Speaker, he has been cherished by countless 
numbers of individuals in the religious world.
  Apart from his preaching in the church, Mr. Speaker, he has continued 
to spread the word of God in surrounding communities. He moved from 
director of the Diocesan Youth Department/CYO to the elected position 
of assistant chairman of region II of the National CYO Federation. He 
led the development of a diocesanwide high school retreat. He brought 
Youth Haven, a shelter for runaway teenagers, to the community. 
Finally, Father Lou initiated the opening of a children's day care 
center, El Mundo del Nino.
  Mr. Speaker, Msgr. Louis Bihr has been chosen as ``Man of the Year'' 
by St. Gerald's Church. He is also man of the year in my eyes. I ask 
that we all acknowledge the work and life of this man. He has fought 
for the good of our country, our hearts, and our souls.

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