LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Roman Catholic Church upon the occasion of its designation as having
been named the first minor basilica on Long Island

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to celebrate the
milestones of those enduring places of worship within the State of New
York which serve the spiritual needs of our citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Roman Catholic Church upon the
occasion of its designation as having been named the first minor basili-
ca on Long Island; and
WHEREAS, Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Roman Catholic Church in
Southampton stands out for its central Hamptons location, its beauty and
now its designation as the first minor basilica on Long Island; Pope
Benedict XVI approved the status after a request from Bishop William
Murphy, who said he wanted to give recognition to the East End because
the seat of the diocese is far away in Rockville Centre; and
WHEREAS, The minor basilica nomination is a rare distinction, given to
just 70 churches in the United States, including the National Shrine of
the Immaculate Conception in Washington and St. Patrick's Old Cathedral,
in Manhattan's NoLita neighborhood; the designation is granted to
churches with historical, spiritual or architectural importance and that
have an active faith community; and
WHEREAS, Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Roman Catholic Church has a
rich history; a Gothic-style church, it was built a century ago; the
church seats 650 and features "irreplaceable" handmade stained-glass
windows from Austria, a 400-year-old wooden pulpit imported from France,
and gargoyles atop a bell tower; and
WHEREAS, The new designation means the church will enjoy certain priv-
ileges, such as displaying the official papal symbol of crossed keys and
celebrating special feast days linked to the current pontiff, including
the anniversary of his election as pope; the new name of the church will
be known as the "Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and
Mary"; and
WHEREAS, Ably led by Pastor Jeffrey Madley, Sacred Hearts of Jesus and
Mary Roman Catholic Church will prosper today and into the future; and
WHEREAS, Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Roman Catholic Church stands
on the threshold of tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the
coming decades while retaining that spiritual resolve which character-
izes its past; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Roman Catholic Church upon
the occasion of its designation as having been named the first minor
basilica on Long Island; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pastor Jeffrey Madley.