Life and Legacy of Monsignor Michael Doyle

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, Monsignor Michael Doyle was originally born in County Longford, Ireland and raised on a farm in Rossduff. He immigrated to the United States of America in 1959 after becoming ordained into the priesthood in Wexford, Ireland and dedicated his life to the pursuit of helping others and embodied the principals of transformational love.

Upon his arrival as a member of the Diocese of Camden, Monsignor Doyle taught within the high school and had a hand in the success of fellow Camden city parishes such as St. Joseph's, St. George, and St. Joan of Arc. A graduate of Villanova University, Monsignor Doyle earned a master's degree in Education in 1962 and received an honorary doctorate in Humanities from his alma mater in 2007. He was installed as a priest in 1974 and was chosen and appointed as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish where he continued to serve for over fifty years.

Monsignor Michael Doyle was also a celebrated poet, pacifist, and provocateur. In 1971, he was a member of the Camden 28, a group of anti-Vietnam War activists who plotted to raid the Camden draft board office until the plan was revealed to the authorities. Doyle and three other Catholic priests were eventually acquitted of their charges. In addition, Doyle helped plant crosses memorializing Camden City's murder victims in front of Camden City Hall when he felt more could be done to stem rampant violence. His activism extends beyond nonviolence, Monsignor Michael Doyle is a champion of education, improved medical care, community beautification, and affordable housing.

Monsignor Doyle has been profiled by media outlets and documentaries for his work in the southern part of the City of Camden throughout the decades. As a literary force, Monsignor Doyle inspired residents both in and outside of the City of Camden through his sermons, poetry, and desire to improve the social justice landscape until retiring from active ministry in 2020.

Following his service through Sacred Heart Parish and the Camden Diocese, Monsignor Michael Doyle remained steadfast in his efforts to better the lives of those around him. He could be found actively writing letters to parishioners in efforts to fundraise for local school children.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Monsignor Michael Doyle and his lifelong commitment as a dedicated humanitarian and advocate for peace within the community.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source