Honor Monsignor Leising Award

Senate Resolution No. 508 BY: Senator RANZENHOFER HONORING Monsignor Frederick D. Leising upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017 Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce on March 2, 2017 WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the State of New York is 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 those men and women of religious commitment who have accepted the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom of human understanding; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Monsignor Frederick D. Leising upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 45th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday,

March 2, 2017, at Samuel's Grande Manor, in Williamsville, New York; and WHEREAS, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising comes from a long line of farmers from Clarence, New York; he grew up in the hamlet of Swormville, New York, where he attended St. Mary's School; and WHEREAS, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising completed high school and his first two years of college at the Diocesan Preparatory Seminar in Buffalo, New York; he finished his college studies at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, New York; and WHEREAS, Ordained as a Roman Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Buffalo in 1971, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising furthered his education by obtaining a Doctorate of Philosophy degree from Notre Dame University; and WHEREAS, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising began his teaching career at Notre Dame High School in Batavia, New York; after 10 years, he became a professor at the Seminary, and then held the position of President-Rector for six years; and WHEREAS, From 2003-2015, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising served as Pastor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Harris Hill, New York; throughout his tenure, he encouraged the pastors in Clarence to meet with each other to share their faith, needs and efforts; and WHEREAS, Strongly committed to serving and working in partnership with those living in poverty, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising provided support to several organizations including St. Martin de Porres Church, a largely African-American congregation in the City of Buffalo; the Buffalo Peacemakers, who work to defuse confrontations in the interest of peace; and Voice Buffalo, a consortium of 50 churches and other community organizations working to achieve social justice; and WHEREAS, Well-known and respected for his knowledge, understanding, wisdom and service, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising played an important role in helping the residents of the Town of Clarence deal with the terrible tragedy of Flight 3407, which claimed the lives of three of his parishioners; and WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all; 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 honor Monsignor Frederick D. Leising upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Monsignor Frederick D. Leising.