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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF FATHER KENNETH WESTRAY
______
HON. NANCY PELOSI
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 29, 2020
Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Father Kenneth
Westray, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in San Francisco and a
civil and human rights champion in our city, who sadly passed away last
week, on June 24, 2020.
Father Westray was a pillar of the San Francisco community whose
selfless leadership was a tribute to the mission of the namesake of our
parish, St. Vincent. He ministered to the poor and the most vulnerable
in our community with great love, respect and faith. We all will
remember and be inspired by the unwavering compassion and courage he
showed in the face of the AIDS epidemic, which brought strength and
solace to so many during one of the darkest chapters of our city's and
country's history.
Personally, my husband Paul, my family and I were deeply saddened to
hear of Father Westray's passing. Our family have been parishioners at
St. Vincent de Paul for generations, since Paul's parents John and
Corinne Pelosi became parishioners in the 1930s. We count ourselves
blessed to have known Father Westray, beloved by all for his kind and
gentle soul, who strengthened our church as he built community and
inspired love for service and love for God.
We enjoyed being with Father Ken in San Francisco and even in
Washington. I had the privilege of welcoming Father Ken and his family
to the U.S. Capitol for the visit of Pope Francis. His mother Jean was
beaming with pride in him that day and on her visits to San Francisco.
We shared a dedication to the San Francisco Interfaith Council and the
San Francisco 49ers.
Over forty years, Father Westray was a powerful force for good in our
community, lifting up the lives of so many. Although born in our
nation's capital, Father Westray was proudly claimed by San Franciscans
as a son of our city. He completed his seminary studies at St.
Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park and dedicated the rest of his life to
ministering to the needs of our Bay Area community.
After-being ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Quinn at St.
Mary's Cathedral, Father Westray began his first assignment as
associate pastor at Sacred Heart Church in San Francisco. Over the next
forty years, he would serve in parishes throughout our city: at St.
Elizabeth Parish, on the Council of Priests, at Sacred Heart Grammar
School where he would minister for 14 years, at St. Sebastian Parish in
Greenbrae, at St. Isabella Parish in San Rafael, and at our St. Vincent
de Paul Parish. He served several terms on the Board of Directors of
the San Francisco Interfaith Council, a powerful force for healing and
unity in our community, including on its inaugural Board.
Father Westray served our community and country in so many ways,
including both in the church and in uniform. Before entering seminary,
he was a Merchant Marine and later served with the Military Vicariate
as chaplain in the United States Navy Inactive Reserve.
May Father Westray' s lifetime of compassionate leadership to lift up
the least of these continue to be a blessing to our community. May it
be a comfort to Father Westray's family, his mother Jean, sister
Cecilia, brother Kevin and nephew Vonty, that Archbishop Cordileone,
the entire St. Vincent de Paul Parish and so many others mourn their
loss and pray for them during this sad time.
____________________
