On the recordApril 21, 2010
After 4 decades of service, Father Coughlin was appointed House Chaplain by Illinois' own former Speaker, Dennis Hastert, on the recommendation of Cardinal Francis George. In announcing his choice, former Speaker Hastert predicted that ``Daniel Coughlin will bring to the House a caring and healing heart.'' The past 10 years has shown that he was undoubtedly correct. I know this from my own time in the House, having seen and experienced this. My own experiences with Father Coughlin range from the opportunity I had with him 5 years ago this week in Rome to be a part of the inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI and also the many conversations I have had with Father Coughlin on what is currently happening in Chicago, including how his ageless mother and her Chicago Cubs are doing. I think this connection, being a Catholic from Chicago, has really especially made our relationship close over these 5-plus years I have been in the House.
