Senate Resolution No. 2392

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING The Reverend Walter M. 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 M. Madej upon the occasion of his retirement after 52
years of distinguished service to the priesthood; this momentous
occasion was celebrated during his final Mass on Sunday, December 29,
2019, at Sacred Heart of Jesus-Holy Cross Church, New York Mills, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Poland, Reverend Walter M. Madej was
ordained in 1968, and worked at the Catholic diocese in Poland for 10
years before moving to the United States; and

WHEREAS, Faithfully serving Sacred Heart of Jesus-Holy Cross Church
in New York Mills, New York, for more than two decades, Reverend Walter
M. Madej was instrumental in the successful renovation of the church,
uncovering and opening its original architecture and arches; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, these neogothic arches now host his numerous
hand sculpted wooden pieces, including the Last Supper of Communion
Rail, the Ten Commandments, the Mercy of God and the Altar of the
Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God, to name a few; and

WHEREAS, An avid and skilled wood craftsman, Reverend Walter M.
Madej has also sculpted pieces for churches in Syracuse, Rome, and other
areas; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Walter M. 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 M. 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 M. Madej.