Vito Fossella: “Mr. Speaker, it is a sad day for New Yorkers and the Nation. America has lost a good priest and a great leader, John…”

“Mr. Speaker, it is a sad day for New Yorkers and the Nation. America has lost a good priest and a great leader, John Cardinal O'Connor. Normally, resolutions such as this are tinged with regret. For often, when someone passes away, we worry that we may have missed the opportunity for not having said something to one that we loved or respected; for not expressing something that we felt. But I am pleased that this is not the case today. I am pleased because this House expressed the gratitude of the Nation for the work of John Cardinal O'Connor while he was still alive. Just a few weeks ago, the House voted to recognize Cardinal O'Connor with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award that this Nation bestows upon a civilian. And sadly, while he will never have the opportunity to see or to hold that medal, I know that he was deeply touched by being recognized by Congress. Just to have his name placed up for the Congressional Gold Medal was an honor to him, and I would like to thank each and every Member of this House for voting to award Cardinal O'Connor that great honor.”