Honor Monsignor Whitney’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 2080 BY: Senator KAPLAN HONORING Monsignor Patrick J. Whitney upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to St. Peter of Alcantara Roman Catholic Church 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 honor Monsignor Patrick J. Whitney upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to St. Peter of Alcantara Roman Catholic Church; and WHEREAS, Born in Northwest Ireland, Patrick J. Whitney graduated from the local boys' high school before entering the Vincentian Seminary of All Hallows in Dublin; he entered the seminary at the start of the Second Vatican Council in 1962, undertaking a six year program of studies and was ordained at the age of 24; and WHEREAS, Ordained a priest on June 17, 1968, Father Patrick J. Whitney began his illustrious career in the ministry at St. Anne's in Garden City (1969-1975) with the Religious Education Program under his direction; and WHEREAS, Father Patrick J. Whitney then served St. Mary's in Roslyn for five years, followed by St. Phillip Neri in Northport where he served for eight years; and WHEREAS, With the growth of the Catholic population in Ronkonkoma, New York, Bishop McGann asked Father Patrick J. Whitney to undertake the job of building a new parish; during this time, he educated himself in many new areas, including the neighborhood, real estate, construction, team building and fundraising; and WHEREAS, A piece of property was located and Father Patrick J. Whitney became the Founding Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Ronkonkoma, where he served for more than 18 years; and WHEREAS, Father Patrick J. Whitney arrived at St. Peter of Alcantara Roman Catholic Church in 2006; named Monsignor in 2018 by Pope Francis, he 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, 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 Patrick J. Whitney upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to St. Peter of Alcantara Roman Catholic Church; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Monsignor Patrick J. Whitney.