On the recordApril 21, 2010
I wanted to do this today because of my respect for Father Coughlin as a human being and as a priest. But I think to be a good priest you have to be a good human being first. I don't think it's the other way around. And I will tell that in the 10 years he's been here I've come to consider him a friend. I've come to see him as somebody in my mind who is one of the best representatives of the Catholic faith that I have ever known. And I will tell you, Father, from my perspective I want to thank you, not just for your service to this House, but for being such a good person. From somebody who's gone from the streets of Calcutta to the Vatican to the House of Representatives, you have maintained your modesty, you have maintained your dignity. And as far as I'm concerned, you're a fine and wonderful human being that I am proud to call both the Chaplain of this House, but also my friend and someone I look up to.
