[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 10 (Thursday, January 25, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE GUEST CHAPLAIN

  Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I want to briefly thank Senator Biden for 
inviting Father Trainor to open this session of the Senate with the 
prayer that he has given. Senator Biden shared with us a story of his 
first visit here as a very young man, and his second visit, at 30 years 
old, when he was sworn into office, barely just old enough to take the 
oath.
  When I think of his youth, the first time he stepped into this room 
as a Senator, and the first time I stepped into this room as a Senator 
earlier this month, I am so old, they named me a member of the Aging 
Committee. So there is a little bit of difference between his 
perception and mine. But I am delighted to be here and just thrilled to 
be able to welcome Father Trainor today.
  Joe Biden mentioned that Senator Thurmond is an inspiration to us 
all. I just want to say Father Trainor continues to serve as an 
inspiration to us all, whether we be Catholic--or in my case, 
Protestant--or some other faith.
  St. Pat's is in the inner-city part of Wilmington. It is an urban 
parish and an urban ministry, but people actually worship there from 
all over the northern part of our State.
  I will be privileged to worship there, too, in a month or 2 at the 
end of our St. Patrick's Day parade, which winds down and ends right at 
the front door of St. Patrick's Church. We will go in and worship 
together--people of all faiths. We will appreciate the warm welcome, 
the hospitality, and the grace that is shared at that time.
  I want to say one other word, if I may, about St. Pat's and Father 
Trainor. In a passage of Scripture in the New Testament, Matthew 25, 
people are gathered at the Heavenly Gates. Some are going to get in and 
some are not, and those who are going to be extended the privilege of 
living there forever in Heaven are told: When I was hungry, you fed me; 
when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink; when I was naked, 
you clothed me; when I was sick and in prison, you came to visit me.
  I just want to say at St. Pat's, as much as any church, as much as 
any parish in our State, that litmus test is still adhered to. And for 
those who are thirsty or hungry or homeless, or sick, they have a place 
to go.
  I just want to say to Father Trainor, thank you for all that you do 
to make that the case and for sharing the Gospel with all of us and for 
really serving as a wonderful example. We welcome you here today. I am 
delighted to be able to be here to join with Senator Biden for this 
opportunity, and to say that the umbrellas still do work here, as 
Senator Biden alluded to earlier, and so do the elevators.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.
  Mr. ALLEN. I thank the Chair.

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