Catholic priest gives invocation at start of Reagan funeral events

Published: 2004-06-10

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As members of Congress and the Reagan family gathered in the Capitol Rotunda around the flag-draped casket of Ronald Reagan, House chaplain Father Daniel P. Coughlin began the three-day official commemorative services for the 40th U.S. president. "He brought humility to greatness," said Father Coughlin, giving the invocation at the June 9 memorial service after Reagan's body was brought to Washington from California to lie in state. Millions of people across the country watched the early evening ceremony on television. Father Coughlin, noting that Reagan was an actor, said his "most notable role on the world stage" was as U.S. president. "With his style and grace he made it seem easy," said Father Coughlin, a priest of the Chicago Archdiocese and the first Catholic chaplain for the House of Representatives.

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