LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Bishop Thomas J. Costello upon the
occasion of his 60th Anniversary in the Priesthood to be celebrated on
May 25, 2014

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 recog-
nition 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 Bishop
Thomas J. Costello upon the occasion of his 60th Anniversary in the
Priesthood to be celebrated with a Mass on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at St.
Peter's Church, Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of St. Peter's Church in Rome, Bishop Thomas J.
Costello is a 1946 graduate of St. Aloysius Academy; he attended Niagara
University and studied for the priesthood at St. Bernard's Seminary in
Rochester, and The Catholic University of America in Washington, later
earning degrees in Sacred Theology and Canon Law there; and
WHEREAS, Ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1954, Bishop Thomas J.
Costello's first assignment was as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of
Lourdes Church in Syracuse, New York; he later returned to serve as
Pastor of the parish from 1975 until 1978; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas J. Costello led the Catholic schools of the
diocese as superintendent from 1960 to 1975; he was appointed Auxiliary
Bishop of the diocese on January 10, 1978, and was consecrated and
installed on March 13, 1978; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, his years of service also include Secretary of
the diocesan tribunal, Episcopal Vicar of the Southern Region, as well
as Vicar for Priests and Vicar General for the diocese, a position he
held from 1978 until 2009; today, Bishop Thomas J. Costello resides at
St. Anthony's in Syracuse; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Thomas J. Costello 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 profes-
sional 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 adminis-
tered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of
all; 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
commend Bishop Thomas J. Costello upon the occasion of his 60th Anniver-
sary in 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 tran-
smitted to Bishop Thomas J. Costello.