Senate Resolution No. 1366

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

COMMENDING Monsignor Michael J. Yunk upon the
occasion of celebrating 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
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish
themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and
preeminence of service; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Monsignor Michael J. Yunk upon the occasion of celebrating the
60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk was encouraged by one of the nuns
at the SS. Peter and Paul School to study for the priesthood; he
attended the Little Seminary of St. Joseph and the Little Flower for
high school and junior college in Buffalo; he earned his bachelor's
degree from St. Bonaventure University; and

WHEREAS, After completing his theology studies at the University of
Austria, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk, was ordained by Bishop Paulus Rusch
of Innsbruck, Austria, on April 6, 1957; and

WHEREAS, Following his ordination, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk served
in the Missionary Apostolate at Cherry Creek, New York, and later was
named Assistant Pastor at St. Mary of Sorrows in Lockport, New York; and

WHEREAS, After two years at St. Mary of Sorrows, Monsignor Michael
J. Yunk proudly served his country as a Chaplain in the United States
Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, as well as in Korea, Vietnam, and
Okinawa; and

WHEREAS, Upon his return to the United States, Monsignor Michael J.
Yunk was promoted to the distinguished rank of Major, and attended the
Advanced Chaplain's Course at Fort Hamilton, New York; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk was then deployed back to Korea;
upon his return to the United States, he attended the Command and
General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk served as the
Catholic Post Chaplain at Fort Benning before being assigned to the
First Brigade, Third Armored Division in Germany; while there, he was
promoted to the title of Lieutenant Colonel; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk was then assigned to serve as the
Catholic Post Chaplain at the War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania; his

next assignment was as Fifth Infantry Division Chaplain at Fort Polk,
Louisiana, where he was promoted to Colonel; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Michael J. Yunk served in Germany for an
additional four years before returning to Fort Eustice, Virginia, where
he officially retired in 1993; seven years later, he also retired from
the administrative ministry, but continues to assist at both St. Leo's
and St. Gregory's parishes; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Monsignor Michael J. Yunk has
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the
State of New York are of great importance to the vitality and well-being
of our communities; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to men and women of religious commitment
who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom
of human understanding; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Monsignor Michael J. Yunk upon the occasion of celebrating the
60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Monsignor Michael Yunk.