Senate Resolution No. 2868

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING the Association of the Ladies of
Charity upon the occasion of its designation for
special recognition by Catholic Charities of the
Diocese of Albany on June 22, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Association of the Ladies of Charity upon the occasion of
its designation for special recognition by Catholic Charities of the
Diocese of Albany to be feted at its Night at the Museum: A Centennial
Celebration on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at the New York State Museum in
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The year 2017 marks the 400th Anniversary of the
International Association of Ladies of Charity, when Vincent de Paul
called upon Louise de Marillac to gather a handful of women to organize
the small French parish for charity and service to the poor; since then
the Ladies of Charity have grown to serve people in nearly every corner
of the world; and

WHEREAS, In October of 1970, Bishop Edwin Broderick asked a group of
22 women to follow in the footsteps of St. Vincent and St. Louise and
form the Association of the Ladies of Charity in Albany; and

WHEREAS, For almost five decades, the Association of the Ladies of
Charity in Albany has provided Vincentian leadership of transformation,
assisting persons who are vulnerable to move from marginalization and
despair to participation and hope; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization's early ministries included work
with St. Catherine's Child Care Center, St. Casmir's School, the
Christmas Store at St. John's, the Branson Family Development Center,
and many others; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Albany Ladies are continuing that history of
service to families with young children at various community
organizations such as Mary's Corner, Sister Maureen Joyce Center's
Giving Room, Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen, and the Coats for the
Community Drive; and

WHEREAS, In addition, most members volunteer in their parishes, on
community boards, and for many of the programs of Catholic Charities;
for the past 47 years, the Association of the Ladies of Charity in
Albany have served as a partner with Catholic Charities; through the
Albany Ladies' steadfast commitment, enthusiasm, generosity, and love
for the poor, they benefitted many clients in numerous ways; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Association of the Ladies of Charity upon the occasion of
its designation for special recognition by Catholic Charities of the
Diocese of Albany on June 22, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Association of the Ladies of Charity in Albany.