[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 82 (Monday, June 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1187-E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF FATHER JOE ORLANDI'S ORDINATION TO THE 
                               PRIESTHOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 1998

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I call to 
your attention the 25th

[[Page E1188]]

anniversary of Father Joe Orlandi's ordination into the priesthood.
  Joe Orlandi was born in Subiaco, Italy on December 8, 1947, the child 
of Augusto and Teresa Orlandi. He studied at the Pontificio College 
Leoniano in Rome. On July 25, 1970 at the invitation of the diocese of 
Paterson, Joe continued his theological studies at the Immaculate 
Conception Seminary, Darlington, New Jersey. In 1971 while still 
completing his studies, Joe was assigned to our Lady of Pompeii Church 
in my hometown of Paterson, New Jersey. All who met him there found him 
to be a caring friend and a trusted spiritual advisor.
  In 1973, following the completion of his theological studies, Joe was 
ordained a priest in Paterson by Bishop Lawrence B. Casey. His first 
assignment was Mt. Carmel Parish in Boonton. It wasn't too long before 
his parishioners at Mt. Carmel grew to know and love Father Joe, and 
many families invited him into their homes for traditional Italian 
meals and warm conservation. Father Joe was the determining factor in 
several parishioners tour to Rome in 1975.
  That same year, Father Joe was appointed associate pastor of St. 
Brendan Church in Clifton. His extraordinary leadership qualities were 
soon recognized and in 1978 he was appointed co-pastor of St. Brendan. 
As moderator of the Youth Group, Father Joe had a positive impact upon 
many young people whose successful adult lives today reflect his advice 
and guidance. Father Joe gives selflessly of his time and energy. He is 
a Boy Scout Moderator, Teacher of Religious Education in St. Brendan 
School, bingo chairman, as well as director of the Diocese of Paterson 
Engagement Encounter weekends.
  Deeply grateful to his adopted country, Father Joe joined the United 
States Army Reserve as a Chaplain in 1980, counseling countless 
soldiers and their families, during times of peace and times of 
heightened tensions. Father Joe continues to minister to the spiritual 
needs of the men and women who serve in our nation's Army Reserve.
  On June 15, 1990, our dynamic Priest brought a new spirit to the 
nationally recognized historic parish of St. Michael, Paterson. Father 
Joe has been an ever-watchful guardian of the public good, never 
failing to speak out in the interests of the larger community he 
serves. Many a newcomer to our shores and many a senior citizen can 
also thank Father Joe for freely sharing with them his extensive 
knowledge and expertise in immigration and social security matters.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, his 
parishioners, and the State of New Jersey in recognizing Father Joe 
Orlandi's exceptional contributions to our society on this 25th 
anniversary of his ordination.

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