[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBRANCE OF FATHER HENRY RODRIGUEZ

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JUAN VARGAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Father Henry 
Rodriguez, a true leader and servant of the community of San Diego. 
Father Rodriguez passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2016 in his beloved 
city of San Diego.
  Father Rodriguez was born in 1955 in National City, California. 
Father Henry was ordained for the diocese on July 12, 1986. He was the 
long-time Pastor at St. Jude Shrine of the West in San Diego's 
Southcrest neighborhood from 1989-2006. Recently, he served as a Father 
of St. John the Evangelist Parish, even as his health declined. Towards 
the end of his life, Father Rodriguez dedicated his time to providing 
hospice to those in need.
  Father Rodriguez was well known throughout the community for his 
contribution to special events and celebrations, as well as community 
groups and organizations, frequently seen alongside Bishop Robert 
McElroy. Father Rodriguez served as chaplain to the San Diego Police 
Department, San Diego Hospice, and at Scripps Mercy Hospital. He 
believed in community policing and working with police officials to 
strengthen the community. As a chaplain for the SDPD, he helped comfort 
the family of Officer Jonathan De Guzman, who was killed in the line of 
duty. Father Rodriguez would later pass away the same day as Officer De 
Guzman's funeral Mass.
  Father Rodriguez was warm and welcoming. He was a father, preacher 
and friend to many. He was considerate, genuine and devoted to making 
this world a better, more just place. His leadership will leave a 
lasting legacy. He will be missed by his family--his mother, Jennie 
Rodriguez, his siblings, Jennie Rodriguez, Gloria Taylor, Linda 
Rodriguez and Jess Rodriguez, his 10 nieces and nephews, and his San 
Diego community

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