LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Monsignor Rollin Darbouze upon the
occasion of the Anniversary of his ordination, to be celebrated on June
24, 2009

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 recog-
nition 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 "celebrer le 40e
anniversaire d' ordination sacerdotale aussi bien la retraite et
l'anniversaire de naissance de notre bienaime Pasteur"; and
WHEREAS, Born in 1938, Monsignor Rollin Darbouze grew up in the Town
of Port-Salut, a coastal town in the Southwest of Haiti, where he
attended St. Joseph primary school; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Rollin Darbouze began studying for the priesthood
at St. Jean l'Evangeliste in Camp-Perrin and moved later to Universite
Notre Dame Seminary in Port-au-Prince; and
WHEREAS, Four years later, Monsignor Rollin Darbouze left Haiti to
continue his study for the priesthood in Canada; he was ordained on June
28, 1969, after completing his studies at St. Joseph Seminary and served
in the Diocese of Nicolette as a parish priest at l'Eglise St. Jean
Deshallions for five months; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Rollin Darbouze moved to New York City later that
year at the request of the Haitian Episcopal Conference to work with the
growing Haitian community in the Diocese of Brooklyn at St. Gregory the
Great Church; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, Monsignor Rollin Darbouze transferred to St.
Matthew's Church on Utica Avenue and Eastern Parkway, where he was an
enthusiastic participant in the community and founded the Haitian Ameri-
can Citizens for Action; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Rollin Darbouze then moved to Holy Cross Church as
its Pastor, serving for two terms before asking to be transferred as an
Associate and being sent to Our Lady of Refuge Parish; after two years,
he was moved to Holy Innocents as Pastor, where he has been ministering
for the past six years; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Rollin Darbouze 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 profes-
sional 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 adminis-
tered 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 indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Monsignor Rollin Darbouze upon the occasion of the Anniversary
of his ordination, 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 tran-
smitted to Monsignor Rollin Darbouze.