[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING FATHER MIGUEL VIRELLA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 
accomplishments of Father Miguel Virella, a man dedicated to the 
advocacy of a solid educational foundation for the Latino youth. Father 
Miguel is being honored as a mentor and role model to the Latino 
Community's youth by the Latino American Committee of Monmouth County, 
Inc., for his positive influence and many contributions to the Latino 
community. In my mind there is no one more deserving to receive this 
award.
  Through a strong family, Father Virella was taught that determination 
and compassion were imperative parts of living a devout life. His 
religious and academic journey was influenced by the teachings of his 
friends and family. It was his devotion to his faith that motivated him 
to pursue studies of a religious nature and eventually to join the 
priesthood.
  In 1976 Father Miguel graduated from Juan Rios Serpas High School, in 
his hometown of Ciales, Puerto Rico. Soon after, he traveled to New 
Jersey with his family where he was introduced to the Religious Order 
of the Society of the Divine Word. His participation in this community 
led him to develop a deep interest in working with the poor and 
minorities of other countries. He could relate to the hardships endured 
by those who were starting a new life in America and his compassion for 
those in need compelled him to do all that he could to help.
  In 1984, Father Miguel decided to continue his studies in Dubuque, 
Iowa at Divine Word College. Later, he enrolled at the University of 
Saint Louis, Missouri and was awarded a Bachelors degree in Sociology 
with a minor in Spanish. Father Miguel decided to continue his studies 
in Theology, for which he received a Masters degree in Divinity. He was 
ordained as a priest in the Society of the Divine Word shortly 
thereafter.
  Following his ordination in 1995, Father Miguel was asked to minister 
at St. Anthony Claret parish in Lakewood, NJ where he remained for two 
years. Due to the large number of incoming Hispanic parishioners, he 
was later called to serve at St. Rose of Lima in Freehold. He remained 
there for four years serving as minister to his fellow Hispanics before 
moving to our Lady of Providence in Neptune, NJ, in January of 2001. 
Father Miguel still serves as the minister to that parish which is 
composed of over four hundred families.
  Mr. Speaker, it is evident that Father Miguel Virella is an asset to 
the Hispanic community and should be lauded for his accomplishments. I 
ask that my colleagues rise up and join me in honoring this most 
respectable man, Father Miguel Virella.

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