[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 82 (Thursday, May 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE LIFE & LEGACY OF FATHER JOHN K. RING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2017

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and legacy 
of a dear friend and beloved pillar of the San Francisco community, 
Father John Ring, who served for 25 years as Pastor of St. Vincent de 
Paul Church.
  Born and raised in San Francisco, Father Ring's leadership and 
compassion were invaluable to our parish and our community, in times of 
joy and sorrow alike. In the suffering of the Loma Prieta earthquake, 
Father Ring bound up the wounds of our community, consoling and 
encouraging us, tending his flock.
  During his entire Pastorate, we saw the creation of a mass for young 
adults, a group of Home Visitors to care for the sick and homebound in 
the parish and beyond, and for the first time girls were allowed to be 
altar servers. He also poured himself into the service of the parish's 
children, and the strength of the St. Vincent de Paul school will be an 
enduring part of Father Ring's rich legacy.
  My husband Paul, my family and I were deeply saddened to hear of 
Father Ring's passing. Our family has been parishioners at St. Vincent 
de Paul for generations, since Paul's parents John and Corinne Pelosi 
became parishioners in the 1930s. We count ourselves deeply blessed to 
have known Father Ring, and it was a special privilege to join in 
celebrating the Golden Jubilee of his priestly service in 2011. He will 
remain an inspiration to our family.
  Father Ring once said that Christ's farewell to his disciples was one 
of his favorite parts of Scripture. In the Gospel according to John, 
Jesus says, ``Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as 
the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, 
nor let it be fearful.'' Truly, Father Ring was an instrument of God's 
peace.
  The families of Father Ring's parish were blessed with a Pastor who 
strengthened their church and school, built community, and inspired 
their love for service and their love for God. May it bring comfort to 
all those who loved and admired Father Ring that so many join in 
remembering this extraordinary man and the blessing he was to our 
community.

                          ____________________