[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1081-E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE JOHN 
JOSEPH MOAKLEY, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2001

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I submit to the Record remarks by the Rev. 
Robert E. Casey, Pastor of St. Brigid's Church in South Boston and the 
remarks of Cardinal Bernard Law at the funeral mass for the late 
Honorable John Joseph Moakley.

     Sermon--Vigil Service for Congressman John ``Joseph'' Moakley

                       (By Rev. Robert E. Casey)

       Today, tomorrow, and Friday, have been set aside to 
     remember Congressman ``Joe'' Moakley. We come to this Church 
     tonight to pray for Joe, and to be comforted by the words of 
     our Lord. I think it is fitting that we come here to Saint 
     Brigid's, because it was here that Joe came to pray. It was 
     here that Joe came to be comforted by his Lord. It was here 
     that Joe came to be strengthened by his Lord.
       I do not stand here tonight, pretending that I knew Joe 
     well. I knew of him for many years through his work in 
     congress, especially from his many efforts to bring justice 
     for the six murdered Jesuits in El Salvador. I first met him 
     a year ago, when I arrived here as the new pastor, and I 
     remember him patting me on the back after mass and with a big 
     smile--welcoming me to Saint Brigid's. I suppose I am like 
     most people, who are not a longtime friend, or a close 
     relative that knew him intimately. But like the many who knew 
     Joe from a distance, from the

[[Page E1082]]

     work he did, for the values he stood for. Someone said to me 
     yesterday: ``You know, you didn't have to know Joe intimately 
     for a long time--to know the type of person he was.'' And I 
     guess that is true--there are so many like me out there who 
     didn't know the man very well, but knew what type of man he 
     was.
       We have heard and seen in the news and in the newspaper 
     articles, story after story, relating to us a man of 
     goodness. Things like: he was a rare breed, a gentle soul, 
     the people's legislator, one who always had time to assist. 
     People talked about his hidden greatness, his humility, his 
     wit, and his basic goodness. And I think that is why, we, who 
     didn't know him well--felt like we knew him. Why? Because we 
     want so desperately to know a man of such goodness. We want 
     to look up to a man that had values, had faith in God, and 
     had an innate drive to help others in need. Why was Joe 
     Moakley this person? Many reasons I'm sure--but tonight I'd 
     like to attribute it to his faith in God. He was a child of 
     God. In fact in one of his recent interviews, he quoted 
     scripture when speaking of his life accomplishments: ``Do 
     unto others, as you would have them do to you!''
       Joe Moakley lived a life of service to others--not for his 
     own accomplishments to be noticed, but to have others take 
     notice of those who
       That is why we come tonight to Saint Brigid's. Because it 
     was here that Joe nourished his faith as a child of God. It 
     is here that we come to listen to our Lord's consoling words 
     to Joe, as he said to Martha in tonight's gospel: ``Don't 
     worry--he will live again!'' If you believe, if you have 
     faith in God--you will live again.
       Many were amazed at Joe's peacefulness and grace these last 
     months since his announcement of his illness. That grace and 
     peace that he possessed came from his belief that he would 
     have a share in eternal life. That life does not end, that 
     life merely changes. And that is what gives us hope tonight 
     as we pray for someone loved by those who knew him well, and 
     not so well--that for Joe Moakley, the child of God, the 
     believer in Jesus Christ--for him--life has not ended, it is 
     merely changed. His new life with God has just begun. And his 
     life with you has not ended either--it has merely changed--
     for the good memories that you keep of Joe, all the good that 
     this ``good man'' has done--will live on, as Joe's spirit 
     continues to live in our hearts.
       Joe does not sit tonight in the 10th pew from the back, 
     where he usually sat, unnoticed--kneeling, praying, or 
     singing the songs. He is here in front of us all--telling us 
     as we look back on his life--how we might follow our Lord's 
     command ``to do unto other's as you would have them do unto 
     you''

                                  ____
                                  

             Remarks at Congressman Moakley's Funeral Mass

                       (By Cardinal Bernard Law)

       After I had the privilege of anointing Joe, after the 
     public announcement of the course of his illness, we spoke 
     about the funeral, and I asked him to do me a favor. I said, 
     Joe I've got a problem as an Archbishop. Funerals have gotten 
     out of hand, and the focus has not always been where it 
     should be. Will you help me get it back? And I'm so grateful 
     to him for that. I know of no public servant's passing that 
     has been more beautifully and appropriately marked than has 
     his death.
       If I may presume, Tom and Bob, to speak a word of gratitude 
     on your behalf, that of your entire family, and that of Joe's 
     staff, which was much more than staff, it was extended 
     family, and that gratitude goes for all who have in these 
     days and during these past several months shown their respect 
     for and their love of your dear brother, your uncle and your 
     friend. The extraordinary outpouring of affection from this 
     Commonwealth, this nation and indeed beyond is a most fitting 
     tribute to the public service which he rendered. The presence 
     of President Bush, former President Clinton, former Vice 
     President Gore, the Congressional delegation, Governor Swift, 
     Mayor Menino and so many other public servants attests to the 
     esteem in which all of us hold Joe.
       The two vigil services, first here in Saint Brigid's and 
     then at the State House, and this Mass I know have brought 
     you strength and consolation. With you I wish to acknowledge 
     Father J. Donald Monan, S.J., Senator Edward Kennedy, and 
     Congressman James McGovern, who is so much more than a 
     Congressional colleague, for their parts in those vigil 
     services. You remarks were moving indeed and I thank you for 
     that.
       To Father Robert Casey, Joe's pastor here at Saint 
     Brigid's, for all he has done, along with the musicians, the 
     Vigil Services, the two magnificent musical groups here 
     today, the youngsters who sang just before Mass, the servers, 
     including two of Joe's grandnieces, and all the participants 
     who have enhanced our worship, Joe's family and all of us are 
     most grateful to you. We are in Monsignor Thomas McDonnell's 
     debt for his moving homily--and to President William Bulger 
     for the magnificent way in which he evoked Joe's memory, paid 
     tribute to him, and allowed us a very well needed laugh.
       I thank in your name, Tom and Bob, Metropolitan Methodios 
     of the Greek Orthodox Church, the ecumenical as well as the 
     interreligious representatives, my brother Catholic bishops 
     and priests, the Religious women and men who are with us and 
     all who are joined with us in prayer both here in the church, 
     in the surrounding buildings, and by means of television.
       What a gift it is to die as Joe did--believing that Jesus 
     conquered both sin and death in his death upon the cross--and 
     that in His resurrection and His ascension we have a sure 
     hope of everlasting life if our lives are rooted in His.
       The great temptation which each one of us faces is to 
     separate faith from life. The great temptation is to lock our 
     faith in a narrow ghetto in a part of our lives. Joe's record 
     of public service shows that he allowed faith to inspire and 
     to penetrate his public service. As Congressman McGovern said 
     in his remarks here in the Church and as Billy Bulger 
     commented, this pulpit was a source of inspiration and vision 
     for Joe. His faith was nourished in this Church and the 
     surrounding parishes and in his family, where he first 
     learned to reach out a helping hand, in that beautiful 
     phrase, to those upstairs, downstairs and across the back 
     fence.
       He enjoyed an uncommon freedom as a politician, because he 
     placed no limits on faith's demands. Jesus said, you shall 
     know the truth and the truth shall make you free.
       Please stand and join me now in the prayers of final 
     commendation.