LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Sister Marie Wilson, CSJ, upon the
occasion of being awarded the Pontifical Cross, the highest honor
bestowed by the Papacy

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
the Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern
and selfless devotion of those who commit their energies and purpose to
the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish them-
selves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preemi-
nence of service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Sister
Marie Wilson, CSJ, upon the occasion of being awarded the Pontifical
Cross; she received this esteemed honor at a Vesper Service on February
3, 2013, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Syracuse, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The Pontifical Cross: Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the
Church and the Pope), is a medal given for distinguished service to the
Church by lay people and clergy; it is the highest medal that can be
awarded to the laity by the Papacy; and
WHEREAS, This faithful woman of God has given not only of her time and
energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, Sister Marie Wilson (Sister Helen Francis) is a native of
Glens Falls, New York; March of 2013 marks her 70th anniversary as a
Sister of St. Joseph of Carondolet; and
WHEREAS, Sister Marie Wilson received a bachelor's degree and a
master's degree from The College of St. Rose in Albany; a teacher and
administrator in diocesan schools for 27 years, Sister Marie began her
noteworthy service in parish ministry; and
WHEREAS, In her remarkable 40 year career at St. Paul's Parish in
Rome, New York, Sister Marie Wilson has touched the lives of thousands
of people, blessing them with the message of love and hope, and bringing
to them the CSJ charisma of unity and reconciliation; 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
congratulate Sister Marie Wilson, CSJ, (Sister Helen Francis), upon the
occasion of being awarded the Pontifical Cross, and to extend to her the
heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purpose-
ful success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Marie Wilson, CSJ.