[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 16135]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                WELCOMING THE REVEREND MICHAEL J. GREER

  (Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct 
pleasure and truly an honor this morning to welcome to the United 
States House of Representatives my friend, Father Michael Greer. 
Michael Greer is truly a wonderful human being and our community in 
South Florida is so very privileged that he lives and works with us.
  Father Greer has been a teacher of theology. He possesses 
extraordinary academic credentials, with degrees in theological and 
liturgical studies from various institutions of higher learning, 
including the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, Father 
Greer's hometown. Father Greer has taught at the St. Vincent De Paul 
Seminary and Florida International University. But most of all Michael 
Greer has become known and beloved in our community by and through his 
work as the pastor of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Miami for 
the last 16 years.
  The Good Shepherd community has flourished during Father Greer's 
years there. Love, compassion and mercy toward our fellow human beings 
are not only practiced at Good Shepherd, their presence there is 
perceived by our entire diverse community.
  Michael Greer does not only believe in diversity, he lives it each 
day in his work, including his constant visits to the sick and his 
masses, in English, Spanish and Creole.
  Good Shepherd now has a wonderful school, also. We are privileged 
today to have the presence as well of the school's distinguished 
principal, Dr. Maria Elena Lopez.
  Mr. Speaker, the Congress of the United States is honored today by 
the visit of a humble and great man, Father Michael Greer of Miami.

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