[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 25, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H4612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO BISHOP EDWARD T. HUGHES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Pappas] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bishop Edward 
T. Hughes, the Second Bishop of Metuchen, NJ. Just this past Sunday, 
the 22nd of June, I attended a mass to celebrate his 50 year 
anniversary of ordination into the priesthood.
  Over the past 50 years, Bishop Hughes has inspired, educated, 
counseled, and guided thousands in countless ways. So many of the 
people that I represent have been touched and aided by his kind words 
and actions. On a daily basis, Bishop Hughes has in a special way 
comforted those in times of sorrow and been an instrumental part of the 
joy and happiness of many families and individuals.
  Bishop Hughes is a loving man that shepherds his flock with care and 
gentleness. He is an outspoken defender of the unborn and a foe of 
racism and bigotry. He fully understands the importance of his mission 
in spreading the word of God to his community. He has devoted his life 
to being a shepherd for the Lord by spreading spirituality and grace.
  Through his good works and deeds, he has touched all those who have 
been in his presence. In today's fast paced environment and a world 
that is often filled with sadness and violence, he demonstrates how 
each of us can find a place for faith and remember what is good and 
right.
  It was in early life that he, in 1938, at the tender age of 18, 
dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ and entered St. Charles 
Seminary. Since that time he has used his wealth of knowledge to teach 
history and act as a positive role model for many young people.
  Pope Paul VI recognized his outstanding service in 1976 and appointed 
him auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, and he was ordained Bishop in 
July of that year by John Cardinal Krol. As Bishop he met new 
challenges head-on and demonstrated his leadership on a national level, 
most recently as chairman of the National Conference of Catholic 
Bishops Implementation Committee for the Catechism of the Catholic 
Church.
  In December of 1986 Pope John Paul II recognized what so many Roman 
Catholics in New Jersey and Pennsylvania had and named Bishop Hughes 
chief shepherd of the Diocese of Metuchen which consists of nearly a 
half million faithful. The Diocese has seen unprecedented growth during 
the Bishop's tenure. He has dedicated more than 15 churches and blessed 
numerous other facilities.
  The Bishop has a keen sense of social responsibility and has reached 
out to community shelters, clinics, and other agencies of assistance to 
help those in need. He truly does the Lord's work.
  Today there is an increased importance placed on cultural diversity 
and understanding. The Bishop has reached out to the Hispanic, Asian, 
African-American, and Portuguese members of the community and increased 
cultural understanding among these groups while spreading God's love of 
all people.
  The Diocese of Metuchen has been very fortunate to the have him as 
their Bishop; and on behalf of the citizens of the 12th District of New 
Jersey, I would like to offer my congratulations and thank the Bishop 
for the time that he has devoted to the people of the Metuchen Diocese.
  Bishop Hughes' motto is ``Rejoice in the Lord always,'' and his life 
and service have truly been a model of just that.

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