Honor Reverend’s 50th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1531 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING The Reverend John Mikalajunas upon the occasion of celebrating his 50th 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 The Reverend John Mikalajunas upon the occasion of celebrating his 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on Sunday, May

19, 2019, during the Holy Mass at Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Utica, New York, followed by a Dinner Reception at the Polish Community Club; and WHEREAS, Reverend John Mikalajunas has brought to his ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and WHEREAS, As a student at St. Stanislaus Kostka Elementary School in Binghamton, New York, John Mikalajunas came to respect the joy his parish priests shared with him and his classmates; he knew at this young age he wanted to imitate the kindness and service of these great leaders, most notably his pastor from birth to ordination, Father Guzewicz; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Johnson City High School, John Mikalajunas received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from St. Mary's College in Orchard Lake, Michigan; he went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary; and WHEREAS, Ordained on May 17, 1959, in Syracuse, New York, Reverend John Mikalajunas served one year in Syracuse before spending 39 years in the Southern Tier; he then moved on to Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Utica, where he has served as pastor for a decade; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Reverend John Mikalajunas, Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church is open to all who wish to worship in its splendid granite gothic-style church on Lincoln Avenue; and WHEREAS, The proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Reverend John Mikalajunas was bestowed the title of Honorary Canon of Lublin by Archbishop Stanislaus Budzik in 2015; he also received the

2019 Fr. Leopold Moczygemba Award from the Polish American Priests Association; 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 custom 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 The Reverend John Mikalajunas upon the occasion of celebrating his 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Reverend John Mikalajunas.