[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF MONSIGNOR MICHAEL J. DOYLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2017

  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monsignor Michael J. 
Doyle on the occasion of the City of Camden, New Jersey naming a street 
in his honor on Monday, February 6, 2017. This street is in proximity 
to Sacred Heart Church, which Father Doyle has shepherded since 1974.
  Monsignor Doyle is a man of conviction who was born in Ireland in 
1934 and came to the United States of America by boat. He chose the 
Catholic Diocese of Camden for his priestly vocation in the late 1950s 
and started serving the City of Camden in 1967. Before taking the helm 
at Sacred Heart, he taught students in Diocesan schools.
  Always willing to fight for what he believed was right, Monsignor 
Doyle helped plant crosses memorializing Camden City's murder victims 
in front of Camden City Hall when he felt more could be done to stem 
rampant violence. In the 1970s, he was a staunch opponent of the 
Vietnam War. He's known to those in his parish as someone who is not 
afraid to fight for peace.
  Monsignor Doyle is also known for his service to the poor, as well as 
his poetry. Actor Martin Sheen narrated a documentary entitled ``Poet 
of Poverty'' which focused on Monsignor Doyle's poetry and letters to 
his congregation.
  While the City of Camden has its challenges, Monsignor Doyle chooses 
to focus on the beauty of the community he calls home. His congregation 
consists of people from the City, but also a large number of 
individuals visit Sacred Heart from surrounding suburbs.
  Monsignor Doyle has been a champion of the arts and community 
gardens. He has been a longtime advocate for improved housing, better 
medical care, community beautification and better educational 
opportunities for his neighborhood. He believes his two greatest 
achievements are keeping his parish school open, and opening a 
community gym called the Doyle Fieldhouse, where all are welcome.
  For these reasons and countless more, it is fitting that we honor 
this man for his great works and contributions. His dedication to God, 
the City of Camden, his parishioners and his community are unrivaled. I 
am fortunate to know him. And as a resident of the City of Camden, I 
can say our City is grateful to have him as a faithful steward. Thank 
you, Monsignor Doyle for what you continue to do for us all

                          ____________________