Assembly Resolution No. 691 BY: M. of A. Buttenschon COMMENDING The Reverend Walter 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 Madej upon the occasion of his retirement after 52 years of distinguished service to the priesthood; and WHEREAS, A dedicated priest for over 50 years, Reverend Walter Madej spent his last 22 years at the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in New York Mills, New York; and WHEREAS, Born in Izbiska, Poland, Reverend Walter Madej graduated from the Catholic Seminary of Philosophy and Theology at Gdansk, Poland in 1968; that same year he was ordained to the priesthood; and WHEREAS, From 1971 to 1975, Reverend Walter Madej continued his studies on the sociology of religion at the Catholic University of Lublin; a shortage of Polish priests for the Polish National Catholic Church led him to America in 1976; he went on to serve God at a variety of church communities before finding his home in New York Mills; and WHEREAS, Reverend Walter Madej completed his educational studies at the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy in 1991; and WHEREAS, In addition to his love for the church, Reverend Walter Madej has a strong passion for art; using his artwork as a means of meditation and inspiration, he went on to study the nature and history of ecclesiastical art throughout his studies in Poland and America; and WHEREAS, Today, he has created over 30 pieces of religious artwork for numerous churches and institutions; and WHEREAS, Reverend Walter 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 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 Madej.