U.S. Congressman. Graduating from Boston College, in 1942, he entered the Jesuit Order, in 1942 and was ordained a Catholic Priest, in 1953. He then entered Georgetown University Law Center Washington D.C., studied law, was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1956 and was dean of the Boston College Law School, (1956-70). He also was vice president, Massachusetts Bar Association, visiting professor, of the University of Texas Law School, (1966-67), professor of the Georgetown University Law Center, (1981- 2007), plus was author and editor, lecturer on church-state relations, at the Andover Newton Theological Seminary. In addition, he was chairman, Advisory Committee for Massachusetts to United States Commission on Civil Rights, (1962-71). In 1971, he was the first Roman Catholic Priest elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-second Congress and to the next four succeeding Congresses, serving until 1981. Not a candidate for reelection, Pope John Paul II, unequivocally demanded that all priests withdraw from electoral politics. He then resumed his duties in the Priesthood and served as a member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates until his death at age 86. He received 21 honorary doctorates during the course of his life and the Robert F. Drinan Georgetown University Law Center Award, is annually presented in his name to prominent Catholic Democratic figures.
U.S. Congressman. Graduating from Boston College, in 1942, he entered the Jesuit Order, in 1942 and was ordained a Catholic Priest, in 1953. He then entered Georgetown University Law Center Washington D.C., studied law, was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1956 and was dean of the Boston College Law School, (1956-70). He also was vice president, Massachusetts Bar Association, visiting professor, of the University of Texas Law School, (1966-67), professor of the Georgetown University Law Center, (1981- 2007), plus was author and editor, lecturer on church-state relations, at the Andover Newton Theological Seminary. In addition, he was chairman, Advisory Committee for Massachusetts to United States Commission on Civil Rights, (1962-71). In 1971, he was the first Roman Catholic Priest elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-second Congress and to the next four succeeding Congresses, serving until 1981. Not a candidate for reelection, Pope John Paul II, unequivocally demanded that all priests withdraw from electoral politics. He then resumed his duties in the Priesthood and served as a member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates until his death at age 86. He received 21 honorary doctorates during the course of his life and the Robert F. Drinan Georgetown University Law Center Award, is annually presented in his name to prominent Catholic Democratic figures.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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