Morgan Hill Woman to Attend Pope's Address to Congress

A distinguished community service figure is fulfilling a long-held dream by accompanying U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, on a trip to Washington D.C. to hear Pope Francis address Congress next week. Lofgren’s office announced today that it invited Maria Skoczylas, 89, to hear the Sept. 24 address.

The Morgan Hill resident wrote numerous letters to political leaders in hopes of attending the upcoming talk, saying “it would be the greatest pleasure of (her) life.”

Lofgren’s office stated that because Skoczylas has dedicated herself to the cause of helping homeless people for nearly three decades, she embodies the life Pope Francis calls on people to lead.

A former schoolteacher, Skoczylas remains involved in the community by sitting on the board of directors for five local charities.

In June, Skoczylas was selected by NeighborWorks America, a nationwide nonprofit supporting community development, as a recipient of the Dorothy Richardson Award for Resident Leadership based on her efforts.

When the Pope visits the U.S. Capitol next week, he will become the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of Congress.

--Bay City News; Image via WikiMedia