Honor Sisters of Charity

Senate Resolution No. 1452 BY: Senator LANZA COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Sisters of Charity of New York WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary organizations it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Sisters of Charity of New York; and WHEREAS, The Sisters of Charity was founded by native New Yorker St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in 1809; she was the first American-born person elevated to the position of sainthood; and WHEREAS, The Sisters of Charity of New York was so named for their origins operating an orphanage run in poverty stricken New York City in

1817; and WHEREAS, The Sisters of Charity of New York broke away from orthodoxy at the time by accepting both male and female orphans, setting a lasting tradition of putting charitable service before exclusionary practices; and WHEREAS, In 1849, the Sisters of Charity of New York established St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan to care for victims of the cholera epidemic; and WHEREAS, The Sisters in New York established New York Foundling, an orphanage for abandoned children and a refuge where unwed and often victimized immigrant mothers could receive medical care for themselves and their children, and which is today noted for its work in service of those with HIV and children with severe handicaps; and WHEREAS, Over these last two centuries, the Sisters have established and staffed ministries, affordable apartment housing, 185 schools, 28 full hospitals, 23 childcare institutions, many of which are today vital to the lives of New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, The Sisters of Charity of New York is today comprised of

250 Sisters, 121 Associates who live, teach and work in New York, and seven Sisters and 33 Associates who live, teach and work in Guatemala; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Sisters of Charity of New York, and to commend the Sisters for building an enduring legacy and numerous institutions of charity, medical care, kindness and compassion in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Sisters of Charity of New York.