Father John C. Garrett, a local priest from Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony’s Parish in Hamilton Township, NJ today delivered the opening prayer before the US House of Representatives. 

    “It is very exciting to be here again after 26 years since the last time I was on the House floor as a Congressional Page. This time however, it was a much different perspective standing at the dais and speaking in front of the House of Representatives,” said Fr. Garrett, who previously served as US Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-Hamilton) first Congressional Page during the 1981-1982 school year. 

    Speaking on the floor of the House following Father Garrett’s prayer, Smith said, “I have known, respected and admired Father Garrett all of his life. Even as a young man, I was impressed by his enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, innate intelligence, motivation, tenacity and above all his faith. 

    “Throughout his life, Father Garrett has been committed to applying his God-given talents and compassionate demeanor in ways that benefit others,” said Smith who further remarked on Fr. Garrett’s work as a board licensed Psychologist. “A man of deep faith, Father Garrett has made and continues to make enormous contributions in promoting and securing the mental and spiritual health and wellbeing of others,” said Smith. 

    Members of Congress are invited by the Office of the Chaplain to sponsor a guest chaplain to give the traditional opening prayer at the start of a legislative day in the House of Representatives. Members are restricted to one request per Congress. At the end of the prayer, the Chaplain of the House of Representatives presents a certificate to the guest chaplain. 

    “I welcome him back to the House of Representatives and thank him for his extraordinary commitment to serving others and for so effectively and faithfully radiating the love, the mercy, and the compassion of Christ. Welcome, Father Garrett,” Smith said. 

    “I appreciate Congressman Smith’s sponsorship. He has been a great friend of mine and my family for many years and a great example of integration of faith and reason in service to our country,” said Fr. Garrett. 

    The following is the full text of Fr. Garrett’s prayer: 

    “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Declaration of Independence) 

    God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, 

    The Founders of this Great Nation, recognized the basic principle that You are our Creator and we are Your noble, yet humble, creatures. As such, all men and women are loved and treasured by You. Send your blessings on the women and men of this honorable House, so that they will be guided by your Divine Law in their deliberations. Grant them the wisdom to seek the common good for all people. May all their actions demonstrate respect and reverence for all people; each made in Your Divine image and likeness. Let all this be done for Your greater glory. We ask this in Your Divine Name. 

    Amen.”