[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10076-S10077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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   FATHER NICHOLAS MAESTRINI AND FATHER JOHN BORACCO CELEBRATE 70TH 
                   ANNIVERSARY OF PRIESTHOOD TOGETHER

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Father 
Nicholas Maestrini and Father John Boracco, two men who have dedicated 
their lives in service to the Catholic Church, and who have often found 
their paths cross along the way. On October 22, 2000, the paths of 
these old friends will converge once again, as they will be honored 
together by the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) in 
Detroit, Michigan, in recognition of their 70th Anniversary of 
Ordination.
  Fr. Maestrini and Fr. Boracco began their long histories of dedicated 
service to the Catholic Church together as seminary classmates in 
Monza, Italy. Shortly after becoming ordained priests, both chose to 
enter into the PIME missionary. PIME is an international community of 
priests, lay missionaries and lay volunteers who have dedicated their 
lives to service in foreign lands. Founded in Italy in 1850, it is now 
a global organization that operates missions throughout the world. Its 
international headquarters are in Rome, Italy, while PIME U.S. Region 
is based out of Detroit.
  Both Fr. Maestrini and Fr. Boracco joined missions in Asia, and both 
experienced struggle and hardship there during the chaotic period 
before, during and after World War II. Fr. Maestrini served as a 
missionary in Hong Kong from 1931-50. During this time, he suffered 
through the strife of the Great War and of being interned by the 
Japanese. Fr. Boracco had it no easier in China, where he was stationed 
from 1934-54, first in the northern Henan Province and then at Kai 
Pheng. He was forced to persevere through imprisonment, the Japanese 
occupation, and the Communist revolution. In 1954, he was condemned to 
die at the hands of the Communists, but was instead expelled.
  In 1951, Fr. Maestrini was named Superior of the PIME U.S. Region. 
Four years later, he was joined in Detroit by Fr. Boracco, who was 
assigned to help with the seminary expansion started by his friend. For 
the next 19 years, the two formed the perfect team. Fr. Maestrini 
focused his energy on external matters, such as public relations and 
fundraising, while Fr. Boracco served as rector and spiritual director

[[Page S10077]]

of PIME's theological and high school seminars. With success, their 
roles expanded. Fr. Maestrini oversaw the establishment of three 
seminaries, two award-winning films, and many fund raising and public 
relations programs benefitting the foreign missions. Fr. Boracco became 
Director of the PIME residence for priests, brothers and seminaries. 
While Fr. Maestrini retired as Superior in 1974, Fr. Boracco retired 
just last year.
  Both Fr. Boracco and Fr. Maestrini remain active within the Catholic 
community. Aside from assisting at his local parish, Fr. Maestrini 
publishes a mission newsletter, and continues correspondence with 
missionaries and benefactors. Fr. Boracco regularly assists several 
parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
  I applaud Fr. Maestrini and Fr. Boracco on their extraordinary 
legacies of service. For 70 years, they have tirelessly spread the 
message of faith and good will to others embodied by the Catholic 
Church, and they have done so while forming a friendship that is truly 
unique. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I congratulate 
Father Nicholas Maestrini and Father John Boracco on 70 years of 
successful service, and wish them both continued success in the 
future.

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