[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 45 (Thursday, March 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND WORK OF FATHER ROBERT ANTHONY MACK

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2007

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise to commend Father Robert Anthony 
Mack for his 50 years of service as an ordained priest, and his 
significant contributions to the western New York community and 
Catholic Church.
  Father Mack will be honored in a special Mass at Saint Louis Parish 
on Sunday March, 25, and today I honor his accomplishments and devoted 
service to his parish and community.
  A passionate and dedicated man, his contributions to Buffalo include 
service as chaplain of Nardin Academy, Catholic chaplain of the Buffalo 
Fire Department, chaplain at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium and War 
Memorial Stadium, and division chairman of the Public and Service 
Division of the Erie County United Way.
  A native of Riverside, Father Mack's first pastorate began in 1973 at 
Saint Matthew's Parish in Buffalo where he served until 1978. Father 
Mack also served as pastor of St. Bridget's in Newfane, NY, as well as 
at Saint Francis Xavier Parish of Buffalo. During his time at Saint 
Francis Xavier, Father Mack served as regional coordinator for Region 1 
parishes and was a member and secretary of the Black Rock Riverside 
Clergy Association. In August 1989, Father Mack was honored in front of 
25,000 people as Irishman of the Year at a home game of the Buffalo 
Bisons by the United Irish American Society of Erie County.
  Father Mack also served as the pastor of All Saints and served as an 
administrator of the Rosary Parish in Niagara Falls before being 
appointed pastor of St. Louis Parish where he retired from in 2002. 
Father Mack also chaired the Peace and Justice Committee of the 
Priests' Senate and was appointed to the Arbitration Section of the 
Diocesan Due Process Committee.
  Madam Speaker, Father Mack's experience during his 50 years as an 
ordained priest is unrivaled in our community. He has been a leader and 
an inspiration to countless parishioners and to the community at large. 
Father Mack is one of Buffalo's most prolific men of faith and on this 
special occasion, I recognize his vast accomplishments and dedication 
to our community.

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