[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 13326]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             WELCOME TO REVEREND MONSIGNOR RICHARD O'KEEFE

  (Mr. PASTOR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and it is an honor 
to introduce to my colleagues and welcome to the House Monsignor 
O'Keefe from Yuma, Arizona, who is one of Arizona's greatest assets.
  Monsignor Richard O'Keefe was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest on 
June 14, 1959, in Ireland. Two months later he found himself serving as 
an associate pastor in Douglas, Arizona, and ever since that time has 
continued to reside in Arizona. For the past 27 years, Monsignor 
O'Keefe has faithfully served my constituents in Yuma, Arizona, and for 
the last 17 has served in the capacity of pastor of Immaculate 
Conception Church.
  I have to tell my colleagues that he is a man who works with all 
segments of the community. He knows how to bring all of us together to 
solve the problems and bring a better quality of life to our community. 
His philosophy is that our government, as well as its citizens, must 
ensure that all residents of Arizona be given equal and fair treatment.
  Monsignor's vision and commitment to education is evident, for his 
tireless work towards building the first Catholic church high school in 
Yuma. Monsignor O'Keefe is a friend, a confidante and a great asset not 
only to Yuma County, but to all of Arizona.
  On behalf of the Congress, Monsignor, we thank you for your service 
to your church and to your country.

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