Joe Crowley: “I too rise with a heavy heart this morning to express my profound sorrow at the passing of John Cardinal O'Connor. As…”

“I too rise with a heavy heart this morning to express my profound sorrow at the passing of John Cardinal O'Connor. As the leader of the largest archdiocese in the Nation, Cardinal O'Connor was an active participant in the debate about the role of the church and the role of society in helping those who could not help themselves. The Cardinal embodied the biblical passage of the Good Samaritan. In both his words and actions, Cardinal O'Connor demonstrated his devotion to the teachings of Christ and the spirit and principles of that passage. He not only used his pulpit to teach the words of Christ, but also the true meaning of those words. The Cardinal has stated recently that he would like his epitaph to simply say that he was ``a good priest.'' What an understatement. He certainly was. Mr. Speaker, may God bless him as he returns to the comforting arms of God for eternal salvation and peace.”