GOD REST MARIO BIAGGI
Posted By: June 25, 2015
FR. SEAN Mc MANUS AND CONGRESSMAN MARIO BAGGI 1987
A brave Italian who dared to speak when some Irish were too scared
CAPITOL HILL. June 25, 2015— Irish-Americans concerned withIreland have lost a mighty champion and a fearless advocate— former Congressman Mario Biaggi (1917-2015).
Fr. Sean Mc Manus—President of the Capitol Hill-based Irish National Caucus— said: “ I am deeply sorry to hear of Mario’s death. He was not only a good friend, but for years he was my ‘go-to guy’ in the U.S. Congress. Whenever the hard issues needed to be addressed — British torture, systematic anti-Catholic discrimination, false imprisonment (like the Birmingham Six and Guildford Four) — I could always turn to Mario for help. Mario spoke truth to power —while big name Irish Catholic Members of Congress ran for the tall grass— too scared to really tackle the British Government, apart from a few ultra-cautious words.
Because the obvious Irish-American leaders in Congress were too scared to take a stand,
the Irish National Caucus was forced to fill a vacuum that was crying out to be filled.
In 1977 we initiated the Ad Hoc Congressional for Irish Affairs, which the New York Times would declare was, to that date, ‘ the Caucus’ boldest success.’ We wanted Mario to Chair the Committee but I wanted to make sure he understood the coming storm of opposition. As recounted in my Memoirs: “ My American Struggle for Justice in Northern Ireland” : The one acid test that I had given Mario before we asked him to Chair the Committee was, “Are you prepared to stand up to the Dublin Government?” Mario had responded, “Absolutely”.
You see in those bad old days, the Irish Embassy was helping to cover up British oppression in The North— a shameful chapter in Irish history.
On Tuesday, September 27, 1977, I chaired the Press Conference on Capitol Hill at which we appointed Congressman Mario Biaggi (D-NY).The media reported : ‘Congressman Biaggi was selected by us ,’ Fr. Mc Manus said, ‘ because he has truly distinguished himself by his consistent and outspoken concern for my country. Although his ancestry is not from Cork, Kerry or Fermanagh, the Congressman has shown more compassion than some congressional leaders with Irish Names. On behalf of the Irish National Caucus, the National President of the AOH and all Irish-American organizations, it gives me great pleasure to appoint you, Congressman Biaggi, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Congressional Committee for Irish Affairs.’
Fr. Mc Manus concluded : “ May Mario’s proud Italian soul rest in God’s eternal peace. And may God comfort his family. Irish-Americans will never forget Mario, and he will always have a special place in true Irish history.”
END.
