[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 2 (Thursday, January 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF REVEREND THOMAS C. BLESSIN, S.J.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 6, 2005

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend Thomas 
C. Blessin, S.J., for his 55 years of service to the Society of Jesus 
and the people of his community. Father Blessin will be receiving the 
2004 Reverend James F. Fox, S.J. Award at the Loyola School of New 
York's Annual Alumni Dinner on January 7, 2005.
  Throughout the years, Father Blessin provided a strong spiritual 
foundation for the members of his community. Born, raised, and ordained 
in Staten Island, he later moved to New Jersey where he spent decades 
ministering to the community and attending to the spiritual needs of 
congregants at various churches, missions, and spiritual retreats.
  In addition to his work with churches around the area, Father Blessin 
served for 9 years as the assistant headmaster at Loyola High School 
and an additional 2 years as the school chaplain. For 25 years, he was 
a chaplain and active member of the New Jersey National Guard. He later 
worked at St. Peter's College where he offered mass and assisted with 
student services. Currently, he is retired and living in the Jesuit 
residence at St. Peter's College in Jersey City.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Reverend Thomas 
C. Blessin, S.J., for his outstanding spiritual leadership and years of 
faithful service to the people of New Jersey. His dedicated work 
throughout the decades has helped to enrich the lives of so many 
throughout our community.

                          ____________________