[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E880]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO REV. ROBERTO O. GONZALEZ, O.F.M.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 1999

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding individual who has dedicated his life to serving others, 
Rev. Roberto O. Gonzalez, O.F.M., who was recently appointed by his 
Holiness Pope John Paul II to be the Archbishop of San Juan, PR.
  Reverend Gonzalez was born on June 2, 1950 in Elizabeth, NJ. He 
earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Siena College, Loudonville, 
NY, in 1972, a Master of Arts in Theology from Washington Theological 
Coalition, Silver Spring, MD, in 1977, and Masters and Doctoral degrees 
in Sociology from Fordham University, Bronx, NY, in 1980 and 1984, 
respectively.
  Mr. Speaker, Reverend Gonzalez was received into Franciscan Order in 
1972, ordained to the Priesthood on May 8, 1977, appointed to the 
Episcopacy by Pope John Paul II on July 19, 1988, ordained Auxiliary 
Bishop of Boston on October 3, 1988, appointed coadjutor Bishop of 
Corpus Christi on May 16, 1995, and succeeded to the See of Corpus 
Christi on April 1, 1997.
  Reverend Gonzalez has been an outstanding leader and a great role 
model, not only to the religious organizations he served so well but 
also to the Hispanic community.
  Mr. Speaker, I have known Reverend Gonzalez personally for many 
years, and I am very familiar with his experience, character, and 
personality. In short, Reverend Gonzalez lives to help other people. He 
has been diligent in providing spiritual guidance and support to the 
members of our community.
  The many religious organizations to which he belonged, like the books 
and articles he has written speak volumes about him.
  As it is written in Hebrews 6:10, ``for God is not unjust; he will 
not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped 
his people and continue to help them,'' the community recognizes him, 
Pope John Paul II, too, recognizes him and honors him with this 
appointment.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to and 
in congratulating Rev. Roberto O. Gonzalez, O.F.M. for his new 
appointment to be the Archbishop of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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