Honor Priest's 52-Year Service

Senate Resolution No. 2392 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING The Reverend Walter M. Madej upon the occasion of his retirement after 52 years of distinguished service 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Reverend Walter M. Madej upon the occasion of his retirement after 52 years of distinguished service to the priesthood; this momentous occasion was celebrated during his final Mass on Sunday, December 29,

2019, at Sacred Heart of Jesus-Holy Cross Church, New York Mills, New York; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Poland, Reverend Walter M. Madej was ordained in 1968, and worked at the Catholic diocese in Poland for 10 years before moving to the United States; and WHEREAS, Faithfully serving Sacred Heart of Jesus-Holy Cross Church in New York Mills, New York, for more than two decades, Reverend Walter M. Madej was instrumental in the successful renovation of the church, uncovering and opening its original architecture and arches; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, these neogothic arches now host his numerous hand sculpted wooden pieces, including the Last Supper of Communion Rail, the Ten Commandments, the Mercy of God and the Altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God, to name a few; and WHEREAS, An avid and skilled wood craftsman, Reverend Walter M. Madej has also sculpted pieces for churches in Syracuse, Rome, and other areas; and WHEREAS, Reverend Walter M. Madej 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 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 Walter M. Madej upon the occasion of his retirement after 52 years of distinguished service 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 Walter M. Madej.