LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Saint Rosalia Regina Pacis Parish of
Brooklyn, New York upon the occasion of its designation as a Papal Basi-
lica

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions which have contributed to the ethical and
spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Saint Rosa-
lia Regina Pacis Parish of Brooklyn, New York upon the occasion of its
designation as a Papal Basilica; and
WHEREAS, On November 9, 2012, a Papal Decree was signed at the Vatican
formally creating the Basilica of Regina Pacis; there are only 74 Papal
Basilicas in the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, The Church was built as a vow to the Blessed Mother for peace
in the world and for the protection of the men and women of our armed
forces; this indicates why the motto name of the Basilica is "voto dica-
tum," which means "as a vow"; and
WHEREAS, This historic milestone completes the dream of Monsignor
Angelo Cioffi, the builder of the Shrine, and the many people, who, in
the late 1940s and early 1950s, generously helped to build this beauti-
ful Church; and
WHEREAS, Denoting the title "Basilica" to a church building emphasizes
the special bond of communion with the Holy See and the person of the
Pope, in a sense becoming his Church; and
WHEREAS, The Papal symbols include an ornate ombrellino, a red and
gold umbrella which is to be used to greet the Holy Father if he ever
visits, and a gold tintinabulum, a bell which is to be rung to alert the
people of the arrival of the Pope; a large plaque showing the Coat of
Arms of Pope Benedict XVI will be hung over the main entrance of the
Basilica along with the Papal symbol of the Crossed Keys and Tiara which
will be placed on the facade of the Basilica, which shall now forever be
known as The Basilica of Regina Pacis; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Saint Rosalia Regina Pacis Parish of Brooklyn, New York upon the
occasion of its designation as a Papal Basilica; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Monsignor Ronald T. Marino.