[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16978]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO MONSIGNOR EUGENE M. BOLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
the work of an outstanding individual, Monsignor Eugene M. Boland, who 
was recognized on Sunday, June 28, 2009, on the occasion of his 
retirement.
  It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record 
of the greatest democracy ever known, for he has been a true public 
servant and someone whose spiritual commitment has enhanced countless 
lives.
  Eugene M. Boland was born on May 12, 1939, in the Village of 
Eyrecout, County Galway, Ireland, one of three sons of John and Nora 
(Potter) Boland. One of his brothers, Monsignor John V. Boland, is the 
pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church in Vernon Township, NJ. The 
other, Eamon, and his wife Mai and their four children reside in 
Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, Ireland. Young Eugene attended the local 
convent school until second grade, and then continued on at the local 
boys school until he was thirteen. He began his secondary education 
(high school) at St. Joseph's College, Ballinasloe, in 1952, and then 
went on to St. Patrick's Seminary in Carlow in the fall of 1957. He was 
ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral in Carlow on June 8, 1963.
  Father Boland came to this country on August 16, 1963, and was 
temporarily assigned to St. Vincent the Martyr Parish in Madison. On 
October 8th of that year, he was given a permanent assignment as 
associate pastor at St. George's Church in Paterson, where he would 
serve with Monsignor Joseph Brestle and Father Julian Varettoni. On 
June 29, 1971, he was assigned, with Monsignor Michael F. Hart as 
Pastor, to St. James of the Marches Church in Totowa, NJ, where he has 
remained ever since. He has served with many parochial vicars including 
Father Francis J. Duffy, Father Dennis O'Brien, Weekend Associate 
Father James Dolan, S.J., Father Paul Iovino, Father Joseph E. Murphy, 
Father Marc Mancini, Father James P. Bono, Father Damian Breen, O.S.B. 
Father Nicholas Gregoris and Father James Cerbone, S.D.B.
  Monsignor Hart was called from this life on June 18, 1990, and soon 
after Father Boland was appointed as Pastor of St. James. On October 
10, 1993, he was honored with the title of Monsignor.
  During his time at St. James alone, Monsignor Boland baptized 1,364 
infants, witnessed 470 marriages, administered First Eucharist to 2,864 
children, attended 37 confirmations, and grieved with 1,249 families. 
He has made innumerable sick calls and communion visits. Over the 37 
years he has served there, he has been involved in many activities of 
the Parish and of the greater Totowa community as well. He has attended 
not only graduations, Religious Education Classes and Rosary Altar 
Society meetings and events, but walked 37 May Crownings, attended 37 
swearing in ceremonies for the Totowa Borough Council, and countless 
Boy and Girl Scout and Knights of Columbus events. He is the Chaplain 
of the Totowa Fire Department and was Dean of the Mid-Passaic Deanery 
for ten years beginning in February 1995.
  Throughout his years of service, Monsignor Boland has helped to 
deepen the faith of many, and teach them more about their religion. His 
dedication to learning and expanding his own knowledge is exemplary.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the 
efforts of individuals like Monsignor Boland.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Monsignor Boland's 
family and friends and parishoners, all those who have been guided by 
him, and me in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable service of 
Monsignor Richard A. Boland.

                          ____________________