[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 175 (Monday, November 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               LIFE AND LEGACY OF MONSIGNOR MICHAEL DOYLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2022

  Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, Monsignor Michael Doyle was originally 
born in County Longford, Ireland and raised on a farm in Rossduff. He 
immigrated to the United States of America in 1959 after becoming 
ordained into the priesthood in Wexford, Ireland and dedicated his life 
to the pursuit of helping others and embodied the principals of 
transformational love.
  Upon his arrival as a member of the Diocese of Camden, Monsignor 
Doyle taught within the high school and had a hand in the success of 
fellow Camden city parishes such as St. Joseph's, St. George, and St. 
Joan of Arc. A graduate of Villanova University, Monsignor Doyle earned 
a master's degree in Education in 1962 and received an honorary 
doctorate in Humanities from his alma mater in 2007. He was installed 
as a priest in 1974 and was chosen and appointed as pastor of Sacred 
Heart Parish where he continued to serve for over fifty years.
  Monsignor Michael Doyle was also a celebrated poet, pacifist, and 
provocateur. In 1971, he was a member of the Camden 28, a group of 
anti-Vietnam War activists who plotted to raid the Camden draft board 
office until the plan was revealed to the authorities. Doyle and three 
other Catholic priests were eventually acquitted of their charges. In 
addition, 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. His activism extends beyond nonviolence, 
Monsignor Michael Doyle is a champion of education, improved medical 
care, community beautification, and affordable housing.
  Monsignor Doyle has been profiled by media outlets and documentaries 
for his work in the southern part of the City of Camden throughout the 
decades. As a literary force, Monsignor Doyle inspired residents both 
in and outside of the City of Camden through his sermons, poetry, and 
desire to improve the social justice landscape until retiring from 
active ministry in 2020.
  Following his service through Sacred Heart Parish and the Camden 
Diocese, Monsignor Michael Doyle remained steadfast in his efforts to 
better the lives of those around him. He could be found actively 
writing letters to parishioners in efforts to fundraise for local 
school children.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the life and legacy 
of Monsignor Michael Doyle and his lifelong commitment as a dedicated 
humanitarian and advocate for peace within the community.

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