[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 39 (Thursday, March 5, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S2780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      WELCOMING THE GUEST CHAPLAIN

  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, I was so proud to have my pastor and 
very good friend deliver the opening prayer. Father McCormick and I 
have known each other since 1983, when he first came to our parish 
church of St. James in Orlando. He is a product of Dublin, Ireland, but 
he became a proud citizen in 1973, much as I did in 1971. He has not 
only been a tremendous source of faith and inspiration to me and my 
family and, more importantly, perhaps, my children, but he has also 
been a tremendous advocate for the poor and needy in our community. He 
does tremendous work overseas as well in a program called Food for the 
Poor where the Caribbean nations and Latin America have benefited 
greatly from his generosity and hard work.
  There are a couple of things I must point out. He has also developed 
a love for American football since coming here. But not being perfect, 
he has chosen the Cowboys over the Redskins. And then in a further 
imperfection that may be less forgivable, he has chosen the Gators over 
the Seminoles in Florida. I frequently have been a patient listener as 
he, on Sunday mornings, regales about the Gators and beats up on the 
Seminoles. Today is my day for revenge. I am awfully proud to have him 
here. He is a wonderful friend. I know he has looked forward to this 
day.
  I thank the Chair for the courtesy of allowing me to say a couple 
words about my dear friend and pastor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Republican leader.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, we join the Senator from Florida in 
welcoming his pastor this morning. I am pleased to see that he will be 
forgiven for his sin of advocating the success of the Cowboys and the 
Gators.

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