[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 93 (Monday, June 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF REVEREND ROBERT OSHITA AND REVEREND PATTI OSHITA

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2016

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
retirement of my good friends, Reverend Robert ``Bob'' Oshita and 
Reverend Patti Oshita, of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento Hongwanji 
Betsuin. As the community celebrates the departure of two excellent 
leaders, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their 
remarkable contributions to the Buddhist Church of Sacramento and the 
greater Sacramento community.
  It is a great pleasure to recognize Reverend Bob and Reverend Patti, 
as Reverend Patti had served as Executive Assistant for my late 
husband, the Congressman Robert T. Matsui. Reverend Bob began 
ministering at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento in 1984 after 
completing both undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of 
California, Berkeley and ministerial training in Kyoto, Japan. Two 
years later, Reverend Bob married Reverend Patti, who attended 
California State University, Sacramento and also studied in Japan for 
her ministerial ordination. Together, they have become an institution 
at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento. Reverend Bob was the 36th 
minister of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, and has served the 
church for 32 years. Reverend Patti was an assistant minister of the 
church and taught Sunday Dharma School classes. Both have proved to be 
excellent community leaders, leading with humility and providing 
comfort and guidance for those in need.
  It is under the leadership of Reverend Bob and Reverend Patti that 
the membership of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento has grown to just 
under 1000 households. Through seeking out genuine human connections, 
Reverend Bob and Reverend Patti have promoted a more unified community, 
both within the Buddhist Church of Sacramento and beyond. The 
dedication Reverend Bob and Reverend Patti have demonstrated is 
exemplary and the wisdom they have spread in the Sacramento area is 
truly invaluable.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to exceptional community 
members Reverend Bob Oshita and Reverend Patti Oshita as they celebrate 
their service to the Buddhist Church of Sacramento and the Sacramento 
community. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their 
outstanding work and wishing them the best in retirement.

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