Boehner Picks Jesuit Priest to Be House Chaplain

Categories: America,Papal Movements


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By ASHLEY SOUTHALL

House Speaker John A. Boehner will nominate the Rev. Patrick J. Conroy, a Jesuit priest and former Georgetown University chaplain, to become the 60th House chaplain.

“We are honored that Father Conroy has agreed to serve as House chaplain,” Mr. Boehner said in a statement announcing the decision. “His dedication to God’s work, commitment to serving others and experience working with people of faith from all traditions will make him an asset to the House community.”

Father Conroy, 60, was selected in consultation with Representative Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader. His nomination will be submitted to the House this month for a confirmation vote.

If he is confirmed, Father Conroy will become the chamber’s first Jesuit chaplain and third non-Protestant chaplain, although guest chaplains have been from other faiths such as Islam and Judaism. He will replace the Rev. Daniel P. Coughlin, who retired in April after 11 years in office.

According to the Congressional Research Service, the research arm of Congress, the chaplains perform ceremonial, pastoral and symbolic duties for the House, its members, their families and staff members. In addition to opening House proceedings with prayer, the chaplain makes arrangements for “guest chaplains” to deliver the daily invocation, provides spiritual counseling, arranges memorial services and officiates at weddings. The chaplain also conducts Bible studies, discussion sessions and prayer meetings.

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