[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 42 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E625-E626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF FATHER FRANCIS DOLS, T.O.R.: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF 
          SERVICE TO HIS FELLOW MAN BOTH IN EUROPE AND AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
exceptional man, Father Francis Dols, who is celebrating the 50th 
anniversary of his ordination as a priest in the

[[Page E626]]

Franciscan Order. Father Dols' achievement will be recognized at a 
concelebrated Mass of thanksgiving on April 13 at the Immaculate Heart 
of Mary Church in Elizabeth to be followed by a reception and dinner in 
the Main Parish Hall.
  Father Francis Dols seemed destined to serve his fellow man from an 
early age. He was born in the small Spanish town of Santa Maria Del 
Cami--``St. Mary of the Road''. This beautiful island community set 
Francis Dols on the path that has led to his being with us today. At 
the age of 12, Francis Dols entered the Franciscan seminary of the 
Third Regular Order [T.O.R.] of St. Francis. When he was 16, Father 
Dols was accepted at a novice, and one year later he was professed as a 
fully committed member of the religious Order of St. Francis. Another 
year hence, Francis Dols left Spain for Rome to enroll in the Angelicum 
Catholic University to pursue the academic credentials required for 
admittance to the priesthood. However, the war in Europe resulted in 
the temporary closing of the university, thereby forcing Father Dols to 
return home.
  Upon returning to Spain, Father Dols spent the next 4 years at the 
Franciscan Seminary. On April 13, 1947, Father Francis Dols was 
ordained a priest and began a new chapter in his spiritual journey. 
Father Dols' first assignment was to a large parish in the southwestern 
part of Spain, approximately 150 miles from the capital city of Madrid, 
where he spent the next 5 years in pastoral ministry. This 
extraordinary experience provided Father Dols with many gratifying 
moments caring for the spiritual needs of his parishioners. A highly 
positive experience aroused Father Dols' interest in spreading the word 
of God to those in the Americas. His arrival in the northwestern region 
of Brazil saw Father Dols working with the native Americans in the vast 
Amazon Forest. Father Dols' 4 years in South America afforded him many 
good times participating in the lives of this eager flock.
  After leaving his adopted home, Father Dols' road of spiritual 
enlightenment led him to the United States. The people of Elizabeth 
were extremely fortunate to have Father Dols accept the position of 
pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary. His spiritual leadership has 
enriched the congregation; bringing them closer to God. And, he has 
been a source of guidance and solace to all who have sought his 
counsel.
  It is an honor to recognize Fr. Francis Dols on the anniversary of 
his ordination. He has committed his life to God's service; and, over 
the past half century, has dedicated himself to his fellow man. I am 
certain that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to this remarkable 
priest.

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