[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE REVEREND JOSE EUGENIO HOYOS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the Reverend Jose Eugenio Hoyos, a distinguished member of our 
community who has dedicated his life to serving the less fortunate 
through his vocation in the Catholic Church.
  The Rev. Hoyos began his commitment to exemplary community service 
over 20 years ago when he was ordained into the priesthood at the 
Cathedral of St. Pedro in Buga, Colombia. From there he continued his 
studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, IL, where he 
earned his master of divinity.
  After completing his studies, he returned to Colombia where he became 
an associate pastor at the Parish of St. Juan De Avila in Bogota and 
taught both philosophy and religion at nearby colleges. He remained in 
Colombia for several years until he was relocated to Northern Virginia 
where he is currently serving as director of the Spanish Apostolate for 
the Diocese of Arlington.
  Since arriving in Northern Virginia 16 years ago, Rev. Hoyos has 
dedicated his life to serving the public community in many different 
ways. Beginning in 1992, Rev. Hoyos envisioned an organization with the 
purpose to recruit and organize professionals to assist immigrants as 
well as the neediest people in the community. He founded Marcelino Pan 
Y Vino, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has earned worldwide 
recognition for its work with the National Institutes of Health in 
assisting those with leukemia, AIDS, cancer, and those in need of an 
organ transplant. Most recently, his organization raised $25,000 for 
Katrina disaster relief in the gulf coast.
  Rev. Hoyos is the founder of the radio program called ``Catholic 
Newsletter'' and the TV show called ``Community and Religion Dose'' a 
program of prayer and faith that is aimed at spreading a positive 
message to alcoholics, gang members, and the troubled youth. He is also 
a columnist for various local and international papers that reach the 
Hispanic community.
  Not one to forget his roots, Rev. Hoyos founded and is president of 
Colombia Integra, an organization that gives Colombians, who have fled 
their native land, the tools needed to become active members of our 
society.
  Over the years, Rev. Hoyos's deeds have not gone unnoticed by the 
community he cares so deeply about. He has been recognized as 
``Hispanic Man of the Year'' by the staff of ``Diario Nacion'' a 
Washington, DC, newspaper. The Alexandria Police Department named him 
``True Community Hero.'' He has been selected as ``Washingtonian of the 
Year'' by the Washingtonian Magazine. Last, but not least, Rev. Hoyos 
was granted the honor to carry the Olympic torch from the Atlanta 
Olympics through the streets of Arlington.
  Mr. Speaker, the Reverend Jose Eugenio Hoyos has been responsible for 
touching thousands of lives over the course of his career. He is truly 
a beacon of light putting his faith into action. For his dedication, 
the people of northern Virginia are genuinely grateful.

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