LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Monsignor Francis Willenburg upon the
occasion of the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination 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 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 Monsignor
Francis Willenburg upon the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of his
Ordination to the Priesthood; he celebrated this milestone in February
of 2014; and
WHEREAS, Born in Rome, Monsignor Francis Willenburg's home parish is
St. Peter's; he completed his elementary and secondary education at St.
Aloysius Academy in Rome; and
WHEREAS, After graduating in 1946, he studied at Niagara University
and completed his seminarian studies at St. Bernard's Seminary in
Rochester; on February 2, 1954, Monsignor Francis Willenburg was
ordained, and assigned as Associate Pastor at St. Agnes in Utica; and
WHEREAS, From 1956 to 1958, Monsignor Francis Willenburg served as
Assistant Director of Catholic Charities in Utica and Resident Chaplain
at St. John's and St. Joseph's Home in Utica; in 1958, he began to serve
as Director of Catholic Charities in the Utica/Rome area and Camp Nazar-
eth; and
WHEREAS, From 1970 to 1974, Monsignor Francis Willenburg was in resi-
dence at St. Thomas in New Hartford; from 1974 until his retirement in
2009, he served as Pastor of St. Agnes in Utica, and also assisted and
served as the Administrator at St. Louis Gonzaga in Utica; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Monsignor Francis Willenburg served as Chaplain
at the Newman Club at Mohawk Valley Technical Institute in Utica, Coun-
selor for the Utica division of Oneida County Children's Court, a
Catholic clergy representative for the Utica metropolitan area civil
defense organization and a founding board member of St. Joseph's Nursing
Home in Utica; and
WHEREAS, Since 1954, Monsignor Francis Willenburg has been a member of
the Utica Council 189 Knights of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Francis Willenburg 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 practice of this Legislative Body that when a
person of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion 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 Monsignor Francis Willenburg upon the occasion of the 60th Anni-
versary of his Ordination to the Priesthood, noting his unremitting and
compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his

community, and extending to him best wishes for continued purposeful
success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Monsignor Francis Willenburg.