Honor Monsignor Yunk’s 60th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1366 BY: Senator RANZENHOFER COMMENDING Monsignor Michael J. Yunk upon the occasion of celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of service; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Monsignor Michael J. Yunk upon the occasion of celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and WHEREAS, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk was encouraged by one of the nuns at the SS. Peter and Paul School to study for the priesthood; he attended the Little Seminary of St. Joseph and the Little Flower for high school and junior college in Buffalo; he earned his bachelor's degree from St. Bonaventure University; and WHEREAS, After completing his theology studies at the University of Austria, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk, was ordained by Bishop Paulus Rusch of Innsbruck, Austria, on April 6, 1957; and WHEREAS, Following his ordination, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk served in the Missionary Apostolate at Cherry Creek, New York, and later was named Assistant Pastor at St. Mary of Sorrows in Lockport, New York; and WHEREAS, After two years at St. Mary of Sorrows, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk proudly served his country as a Chaplain in the United States Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, as well as in Korea, Vietnam, and Okinawa; and WHEREAS, Upon his return to the United States, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk was promoted to the distinguished rank of Major, and attended the Advanced Chaplain's Course at Fort Hamilton, New York; and WHEREAS, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk was then deployed back to Korea; upon his return to the United States, he attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and WHEREAS, After graduation, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk served as the Catholic Post Chaplain at Fort Benning before being assigned to the First Brigade, Third Armored Division in Germany; while there, he was promoted to the title of Lieutenant Colonel; and WHEREAS, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk was then assigned to serve as the Catholic Post Chaplain at the War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania; his next assignment was as Fifth Infantry Division Chaplain at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he was promoted to Colonel; and WHEREAS, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk served in Germany for an additional four years before returning to Fort Eustice, Virginia, where he officially retired in 1993; seven years later, he also retired from the administrative ministry, but continues to assist at both St. Leo's and St. Gregory's parishes; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Monsignor Michael J. Yunk has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the State of New York are of great importance to the vitality and well-being of our communities; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition and just tribute to men and women of religious commitment who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom of human understanding; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Monsignor Michael J. Yunk upon the occasion of celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Monsignor Michael Yunk.