[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 6, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S30]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     TRIBUTE TO BISHOP JOHN McRAITH

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, it is with great admiration and 
respect that I take this time to recognize one of Kentucky's most 
distinguished citizens, Roman Catholic Bishop John McRaith, who retired 
as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro.
  Bishop McRaith's service over the last 26 years in the Diocese of 
Owensboro--which consists of 32 counties with 79 parishes, 3 high 
schools, 2 middle schools and 13 elementary schools--has made him a 
legacy in the community.
  In addition to being a large diocese, Owensboro Diocese is one of the 
more diverse dioceses--home to a large number of Hispanic Catholic 
immigrants, along with a priesthood that recruits men from Latin 
America, Asia, and Africa. The work done by Bishop McRaith and the 
priests at Owensboro Diocese has increased church attendance to levels 
that are considered among the highest in the Nation.
  Bishop McRaith has left his community a better place because of the 
authenticity and kindness of his services and faith. While I am sad to 
see him retire, I am comforted knowing that those who learned from him 
will continue the good work that he displayed each day. On behalf of 
all of those who are part of the Owensboro Diocese, I thank Bishop John 
McRaith for the grace and strength he brought to western 
Kentucky.

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