Senate Resolution No. 1452

BY: Senator LANZA

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Sisters
of Charity of New York

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary organizations it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Sisters of Charity of New York;
and

WHEREAS, The Sisters of Charity was founded by native New Yorker St.
Elizabeth Ann Seton in 1809; she was the first American-born person
elevated to the position of sainthood; and

WHEREAS, The Sisters of Charity of New York was so named for their
origins operating an orphanage run in poverty stricken New York City in
1817; and

WHEREAS, The Sisters of Charity of New York broke away from
orthodoxy at the time by accepting both male and female orphans, setting
a lasting tradition of putting charitable service before exclusionary
practices; and

WHEREAS, In 1849, the Sisters of Charity of New York established St.
Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan to care for victims of the cholera
epidemic; and

WHEREAS, The Sisters in New York established New York Foundling, an
orphanage for abandoned children and a refuge where unwed and often
victimized immigrant mothers could receive medical care for themselves
and their children, and which is today noted for its work in service of
those with HIV and children with severe handicaps; and

WHEREAS, Over these last two centuries, the Sisters have established
and staffed ministries, affordable apartment housing, 185 schools, 28
full hospitals, 23 childcare institutions, many of which are today vital
to the lives of New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, The Sisters of Charity of New York is today comprised of
250 Sisters, 121 Associates who live, teach and work in New York, and
seven Sisters and 33 Associates who live, teach and work in Guatemala;
and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a

long and sustained commitment to excellence 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
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Sisters of Charity of New York,
and to commend the Sisters for building an enduring legacy and numerous
institutions of charity, medical care, kindness and compassion in the
State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Sisters of Charity of New York.