Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 114 Part 6.djvu/118

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114 STAT. 3174 CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS—MAY 8, 2000 to reassemble whenever, in their opinion, the public interest shall warrant it. Agreed to April3, 2000. May 8, 2000 DEATH OF JOHN JOSEPH O'CONNOR— [H. Con. Res. 317] CONDOLENCES Whereas His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor was born John Joseph O'Connor on January 15, 1920, in southwest Philadelphia, the son of Thomas and Mary O'Connor; Whereas his duty to God and country led him to serve loyally as a chaplain in the United States Navy, counseling thousands of brave young men and women during his tenure, which included tours of duty during the Vietnam War; Whereas John Cardinal O'Connor served the people of the Archdiocese of New York with honor and distinction for over 15 years; Whereas John Cardinal O'Connor became an internationaly recognized leader in the field of human rights, working for peace and justice; Whereas John Cardinal O'Connor was a champion of Catholic schools, particularly in inner-city communities; Whereas John Cardinal O'Connor has always spoken out and acted to aid the elderly, homeless, working people, the mentally disabled, and the poor; Whereas John Cardinal O'Connor has provided compassion through his words and actions and made it known that everyone was a child of Grod and was deserving of love, compassion, and respect; Whereas John Cardinal O'Connor led the Catholic Church in recognizing the terrible toll of AIDS and opened New York State's first AIDS-only unit, at St. Claire's Hospital; Whereas John Cardinal O'Connor worked tirelessly to strengthen relations between Catholics and followers of the Jewish faith, recognizing the power of the interfaith alliance and leading the Vatican to recognize the State of Israel; and Whereas John Cardinal O'Connor was guided in his actions by the Spirit of the Lord: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring). That the Congress— (1) has learned with profound sorrow of the death of His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor on May 3, 2000, and extends condolences to his family and to the Archdiocese of New York; (2) expresses its profound gratitude to John Cardinal O'Connor and his family for the service that he rendered to his country and his faith; and (3) recognizes with appreciation and respect John Cardinal O'Connor's commitment to and example of faith, love, respect, and dignity for all mankind. Agreed to May 8, 2000.