Reverend Jeffery Bayhi
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Baton Rouge, LA
Sponsor: Rep. Bill Cassidy, (R-LA)
Date of Prayer: 07/19/2012
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to invite Father Bayhi here today to speak. Father Bayhi is a native of Baton Rouge and was ordained at St. Patrick's Church in 1979.
He has many academic achievements, but he is actually best known for spiritual stewardship of his parishioners. You can see this both in how his calling and ministry manifest in the opportunities that he has sought and the activities he currently does.
Among these he has worked with Mother Teresa's church in Calcutta. He currently is the director of Closer Walk Ministries. He has written several books, such as ‘‘Paved With Souls,'' speaking about his experience with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, as well as produced videos of his experiences on mission trips. He has worked in prison systems for the criminally insane. He works with youth, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
I was struck that his prayer for us reflected his life, one of humility, courage, accountability to God, calling us to service.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Gracious God and Father, we humbly ask that You bestow upon us the gift of humility. Humble us in Your sight, our Creator. It's only from You, our God, that the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are derived, not from any king, government or congress. Let us always see ourselves as stewards of these rights and the servants of the people created in Your image and likeness, like our Founding Fathers. We are to protect, ensure, and safeguard those rights.
Guard us from the evils of pride and power that place self–interest before the common good. Give us the courage of our convictions and not simply a belief based on convenience. Never let a wishbone replace our backbone, for it is You alone to whom one day we will all be accountable. Give us courage and strength to serve and care for Your people. We ask this through our God and Father.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory