[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 7 (Tuesday, February 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E75-E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE REVEREND DONALD PIERCE WEEKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2002

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring the Reverend Donald Pierce Weeks. He has been an 
outstanding member of the clergy, working tirelessly for the people of 
his community and our nation.
  Reverend Weeks served in East St. Louis, Illinois at the Holy Angels 
Shelter for Women and Children from 1981 to 1988, by giving advice and 
sharing personal experiences. In October 1986, St. Clair County 
dedicated this month to him in recognition of his work. He also 
traveled to Cairo, Illinois to teach individuals how to read and write, 
so they could pass voter tests administered years ago.
  After his service in Illinois, he was sent to work at Saint Patrick's 
Abbey in Oakland, California. While there, he was elected the 
Benedictine Monk in 1999 and has served in this position ever since. 
His dedication to fairness and justice is demonstrated daily by 
continually helping men and women recover from their alcohol and drug 
addictions. In addition, Reverend Weeks selflessly serves his community 
be feeding and counseling homeless men,

[[Page E76]]

women and children suffering from AIDS and other communicable diseases. 
his graciousness and unfailing courtesy have set a high standard for 
all of us to follow.
  Mr. Speaker, Reverend Weeks has achieved impressive levels of 
achievement and accomplishment. He is an extraordinary individual, and 
I know my colleagues join me in expressing our appreciation for his 
dedication to service and our very best wishes as he continues his 
work.

                          ____________________