[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF REVEREND FRANCIS M. BEDNAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 1999

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Rev. 
Francis M. Bednar for his many years of service and countless 
contributions to his community.
  Father Bednar, a Cleveland native, graduated from Cathedral Latin 
School and studied for the priesthood at Borromeo College and St. Mary 
Seminary. In 1974, after his ordination to the priesthood, he became 
the associate pastor at the St. Justin Martyr parish in Eastlake, Ohio. 
Between 1979-1985 he served at the St. Clement Church in Lakewood, 
Ohio. Since 1989 Rev. Bednar has served as pastor of Sacred Heart of 
Jesus Church in Cleveland.
  In addition to his service with the Church, Father Bednar was 
diocesan director of the Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. 
In 1982 he was named spiritual director of the Cleveland Division of 
the Blue Army of Fatima. In July 1997, he was elected district chairman 
of the Southeast District.
  Rev. Bednar was a wonderful man who was warm, caring, and deeply 
devoted to the Church. Away from his duties to the Church Rev. Bednar 
was also deeply devoted to his family. In recent years Rev. Bednar 
provided care for his parents with the same passion and determination 
that he pledged to the Church. His dedication was an inspiration to all 
who knew him. He touched many lives and his passing is a great loss.
  Rev. Bednar is survived by his parents, Michael and Agnes; brothers 
Richard, Philip, Jerome, and Michael; and sisters Mary and Bernadette.
  My fellow colleagues, I ask that we remember Rev. Bednar for his 
service to the Catholic Church and to the Cleveland community.

                          ____________________