LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Thomas Catena upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Teresian Faith, Hope and Courage
Award by the Teresian House Foundation on July 28, 2016

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 custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals and organizations
which distinguish themselves through their unremitting commitment and
service to humanity; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Thomas
Catena upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Teresian
Faith, Hope and Courage Award by the Teresian House Foundation, to be
celebrated at its Annual Gala on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at the Sarato-
ga National Golf Club, Saratoga Springs, New York; and
WHEREAS, Teresian House is a 300 bed, non-profit home for the elderly
in the Capital District, sponsored by the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese
and served by the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is bestowed upon an individual who has
made a positive impact on others and has overcome extreme adversity in
their life; Dr. Thomas Catena, a Catholic Missionary from Amsterdam, New
York, is being recognized for his tireless works of mercy, risk and
sacrifice to care for those people who are so desperately in need; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Catena played football and earned his bachelor's
degree at Brown University; he furthered his education by obtaining his
medical degree from Duke University; and
WHEREAS, Prior to moving to Sudan, Dr. Thomas Catena held the position
of a Military Doctor and assisted the people of Kenya, including the
slums of Nairobi; and
WHEREAS, Since 2008, Dr. Thomas Catena has served as the only Doctor
at the 435-bed Mother of Mercy Hospital located in the Nuba Mountains in
the far south of Sudan, which has a population of over 750,000 people,
encompassing an area roughly the size of Austria; and
WHEREAS, Patients with various ailments such as fractures, diarrhea,
thyroid disease and cancer, and an increasing number of victims of bomb-
ing attacks and malnourishment spurred on by the war, may travel for a
week to see Dr. Thomas Catena at Mother of Mercy Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Limited by his surroundings and working in a hostile environ-
ment, Dr. Thomas Catena may take care of 300-350 in-patients daily,
sometimes using decades-old treatments; this remarkable man earns $350 a
month while being on call 24/7; and
WHEREAS, Each day, Dr. Thomas Catena, his staff and patients face
possible danger; in May of 2014, the hospital was subject to bombings,
and consequently, a number of foxholes have been built to harbor
patients and staff during future attacks; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by his Catholic faith and St. Francis of Assisi, Dr.
Thomas Catena is a true humanitarian, risking his life every day to
serve the people of Sudan; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Thomas Catena upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-

ent of the Teresian Faith, Hope and Courage Award by the Teresian House
Foundation on July 28, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Thomas Catena.