[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 165 (Friday, November 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2295-E2296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF BROTHER MICHAEL GAWORSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK R. KENNEDY

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 14, 2003

  Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Franciscan Brother Michael Gaworski, who died of complications from 
pneumonia on August 28, 2003. Brother Michael was born in Tulsa, 
Oklahoma and raised in Eagan, Minnesota. He attended St. Thomas Academy 
and St. Thomas College.
  In 1982, with encouragement from Archbishop John Roach, Brother 
Michael founded the St. Paul archdiocese's first community of religious 
brothers, the Franciscan Brothers of Peace. Additionally, Brother 
Michael was well

[[Page E2296]]

known for his involvement in the pro-life movement, founding the Pro-
Life Action Ministries, a group that now has 20,000 members.
  Brother Michael valued every life and dedicated his work to helping 
those that needed help the most. However, it was Brother Michael who 
was the recipient of tremendous support when, 12 years ago, he was left 
a quadriplegic as a result of a bout with pneumonia. His Franciscan 
Brothers worked out rotating shifts, so that one of them was with 
Brother Michael every day, taking care of all his needs.
  The Brothers believe that their ministry has blossomed from this 
experience, teaching them to love and give unconditionally. While the 
Brothers mourn the loss of their founder, they celebrate his life and 
will continue his mission of service.
  Mr. Speaker, Brother Michael and his brothers in the Franciscan 
Brothers of Peace exemplify what it means to give of yourself to others 
and to live life as an example.

                          ____________________