Honor Basilica’s 125th Anniversary

Polish families in the community, and on June 12, 1892, the

organizers of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus met and decided

on the Sacred Heart of Jesus as their Patron; and

WHEREAS, On June 5, 1892, the first mass was offered by Reverend

Anthony F. Kolaszewski at Kelly's Hall at West Fayette Street in

Syracuse; and

WHEREAS, The original church of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of

Jesus was located on Park Avenue, in a framed two-story structure

constructed on two lots; the cornerstone was solemnly blessed on July

24, 1892, by Bishop Patrick Ludden; and

WHEREAS, In 1903, 15 acres of land for a cemetery was bought on the

west side of the city line under the direction of Reverend Francis

Rusin, who also oversaw the construction of a larger church, since the

original structure could no longer accommodate the growing parish; and

WHEREAS, In 1910, the new church was completed and still exists

today on Park Avenue - serving as the current location of the Basilica

of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; and

WHEREAS, The former Basilica Church was converted entirely for the

use of a parochial school; 43 years later, in 1953, the parish opened

Sacred Heart Academy, which gave the church the distinct honor of being

the only Polish parish in New York State to have its own high school at

that time; and

WHEREAS, In June 2002, Sacred Heart School closed after educating

children for 110 years; in 2003, the parish began renting the space to

the Syracuse Academy of Science, which eventually bought the school in

2011; and

WHEREAS, The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was granted the

title and rank of Minor Basilica, a special papal recognition for

churches that have played an important role in the life of its members;

the decree from Rome was issued from the Holy See on August 27, 1998,

and the title became official on Sunday, October 3, 1999; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has

multiple ministry programs, including altar servers, bereavement, bingo

volunteers, cantors, church decorating, extraordinary ministers, faith

formation, food pantry, greeters, lectors, liturgy, nursing homes,

pastoral council, rite of Christian initiation for adults, sanctuary

care, and ushers; and

WHEREAS, The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus also offers

several organizations for its community members to participate in,

including its Christian Mothers & Women's Club, Holy Name Society,

Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, Rosary Society, and Sacred Heart

Seniors; and

WHEREAS, The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus additionally

offers four choirs for its parishioners, which are the I.J. Paderewski

Choir, Polonez Choir, Contemporary Choir, and the Girls' Choir; and

WHEREAS, The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands on the

threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming

decades, while retaining that spiritual resolve which characterizes its

past; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of

enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the

attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to

commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of

Jesus in Syracuse, New York, confident that this commemoration reflects

the belief in those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of

life; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be

transmitted to Reverend Andrew Baranski, Rector of the Basilica of the

Sacred Heart of Jesus.