[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 24, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H1373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      WELCOMING DON ALDO BRUNACCI

  (Mr. FERGUSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our guest chaplain, 
Don Aldo Brunacci. A canon of the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi, 
Italy, Don Aldo Brunacci is being honored with the National Gaudete 
Medal. It is presented to a community leader who represents the life 
and teaching of St. Francis of Assisi.
  Don Aldo embodies the spirit of service and joy that St. Francis 
taught. His life has exhibited the words engraved in the medal: ``For 
service to God and humanity in the Franciscan spirit of compassion and 
sacrifice, faith and humility, hope and joy.''
  In January 2003, he was presented with the Order for Merit of the 
Italian Republic, awarded by President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi of Italy, 
for his service in assisting hundreds of Jewish refugees during World 
War II. Currently, Don Aldo operates the Casa Papa Giovanni, a major 
retreat house in Assisi.
  St. Bonaventure's College is here in Washington today to honor Don 
Aldo with this prestigious award. He is not only a proud example to his 
community and his family, but also to his country and his faith.

                          ____________________