Honor Sister Theresa Agliardi

Senate Resolution No. 1569 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMENDING Sister Theresa Agliardi, RSM upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy on May 10, 2017 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 custom of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition and just tribute to those individuals and organizations which distinguish themselves through their unremitting commitment and service to humanity; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Sister Theresa Agliardi, RSM upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy to be celebrated at its 18th Annual Evening of Mercy Gala on Wednesday, May

10, 2017, at The Yale Club of New York City; and WHEREAS, The Sisters of Mercy work passionately to eliminate poverty, the widespread denial of human rights, the degradation of earth, the increase in violence and racism, the continued oppression of women, the abuse of children, the mistreatment of immigrants and the lack of solidarity among people and nations; and WHEREAS, Sister Theresa Agliardi is a native Brooklynite, who grew up in the Fort Greene neighborhood; she attended Sacred Heart School, where she was introduced to the Sisters of Mercy; she continued to foster this relationship as a student at Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School, which led to her entrance into the novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy in Syosset, Long Island, in September of 1967; and WHEREAS, Sister Theresa Agliardi earned a Master of Science degree in Urban Education, and a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education from Fordham University; in 1972, she began her teaching career at St. Patrick School on Kent Avenue; she then served as a kindergarten teacher and the Religion Coordinator at Our Lady of Bedford-Stuyvesant School; and WHEREAS, In September of 1976, Sister Theresa Agliardi began her ministry as a Pastoral Associate at St. Laurence Church in the East New York section of the Diocese of Brooklyn, where she served the people of God in various capacities for the next 25 years; and WHEREAS, In 2001, Sister Theresa Agliardi was elected by the Sisters of Mercy to serve on their Leadership Team, as the Coordinator of Spirituality and Director of Mercy Associates for the next seven years; and WHEREAS, Sister Theresa Agliardi then returned to her ministry as a Pastoral Associate at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Flatlands, New York; since 2013, she has served in this same position at St. Luke's Church in Whitestone, New York; and WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Sister Theresa Agliardi faithfully served the Diocese of Brooklyn through her participation on numerous committees, including the Liturgical Commission, the Committee for the Implementation of the R.C.I.A., the Task Force for the Reconfiguration of the Diocese, and the Council for Religious; and WHEREAS, In January of 2002, Bishop Thomas V. Daily presented Sister Theresa with a Papal Honor, the "Pro Ecclesia y Pontiface Medal" (for the Church and the Pope) recognizing her many years of dedicated and loving service to the People of God; and WHEREAS, In September of 2017, Sister Theresa Agliardi will joyfully commemorate her 50th year as a Sister of Mercy; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Sister Theresa Agliardi, RSM upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy on May 10,