[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING FATHER HAROLD RAHM

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BETO O'ROURKE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 17, 2015

  Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize 
Jesuit Father Harold Rahm, whom holds a commendable record of service 
to the El Paso community.
  Father Rahm arrived in El Paso, Texas in July 1952 and served at 
Sacred Heart Parish until 1964. He was often seen traveling around the 
streets of South El Paso on his bicycle and was named, ``the Bicycle 
Padre.'' Father Rahm used this modest technique to reach out to the 
youth of the Segundo Barrio in efforts to deter them from joining youth 
gangs.
  During his fourteen years in El Paso, Father Rahm established 
organizations such as Our Lady's Youth Center, the Guadalupe Employment 
Office, the Guadalupe Way of Life Homes for young people and adults, 
and Camp Juan Diego for children who could not afford to go to summer 
camp. Father Rahm played an instrumental role in pacifying youth gang 
warfare in the 1950's by encouraging teens to spend their time in the 
youth center and resolving their violence through safe interaction and 
exercise.
  Father Rahm also established the Guadalupe Employment Office in 1953, 
the Guadalupe Thrift Store in 1954, the Tepeyac Credit Union, and 
advocated for decent housing for South El Paso residents.
  In trying to reach people that were unable to attend mass, Father 
Rahm would often celebrate mass in people's backyards and take 
breakfast to the elderly on his bicycle. Because of his devout actions, 
5th Avenue was renamed Father Rahm Avenue in his honor. Father Rahm's 
legacy lives on through inspired El Pasoans that have carried on his 
work.
  I thank Father Rahm for being an honorable man of God to our 
community and to the world through his notable service. Father Rahm 
represents the ambition, dedication, perseverance and resilience that 
is so indicative of the many great El Pasoans I have the distinct 
privilege to represent.

                          ____________________