Assembly Resolution No. 691

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMENDING The Reverend Walter 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 Madej upon the occasion of his retirement after 52 years
of distinguished service to the priesthood; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated priest for over 50 years, Reverend Walter Madej
spent his last 22 years at the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in New York Mills,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Born in Izbiska, Poland, Reverend Walter Madej graduated
from the Catholic Seminary of Philosophy and Theology at Gdansk, Poland
in 1968; that same year he was ordained to the priesthood; and

WHEREAS, From 1971 to 1975, Reverend Walter Madej continued his
studies on the sociology of religion at the Catholic University of
Lublin; a shortage of Polish priests for the Polish National Catholic
Church led him to America in 1976; he went on to serve God at a variety
of church communities before finding his home in New York Mills; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Walter Madej completed his educational studies at
the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy in 1991; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his love for the church, Reverend Walter
Madej has a strong passion for art; using his artwork as a means of
meditation and inspiration, he went on to study the nature and history
of ecclesiastical art throughout his studies in Poland and America; and

WHEREAS, Today, he has created over 30 pieces of religious artwork
for numerous churches and institutions; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Walter 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 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 Madej.