Senate Resolution No. 1569

BY: Senator GOLDEN

COMMENDING Sister Theresa Agliardi, RSM upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition
by the Sisters of Mercy on May 10, 2017

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Sister Theresa Agliardi, RSM upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy to be
celebrated at its 18th Annual Evening of Mercy Gala on Wednesday, May
10, 2017, at The Yale Club of New York City; and

WHEREAS, The Sisters of Mercy work passionately to eliminate
poverty, the widespread denial of human rights, the degradation of
earth, the increase in violence and racism, the continued oppression of
women, the abuse of children, the mistreatment of immigrants and the
lack of solidarity among people and nations; and

WHEREAS, Sister Theresa Agliardi is a native Brooklynite, who grew
up in the Fort Greene neighborhood; she attended Sacred Heart School,
where she was introduced to the Sisters of Mercy; she continued to
foster this relationship as a student at Bishop McDonnell Memorial High
School, which led to her entrance into the novitiate of the Sisters of
Mercy in Syosset, Long Island, in September of 1967; and

WHEREAS, Sister Theresa Agliardi earned a Master of Science degree
in Urban Education, and a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education
from Fordham University; in 1972, she began her teaching career at St.
Patrick School on Kent Avenue; she then served as a kindergarten teacher
and the Religion Coordinator at Our Lady of Bedford-Stuyvesant School;
and

WHEREAS, In September of 1976, Sister Theresa Agliardi began her
ministry as a Pastoral Associate at St. Laurence Church in the East New
York section of the Diocese of Brooklyn, where she served the people of
God in various capacities for the next 25 years; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, Sister Theresa Agliardi was elected by the Sisters
of Mercy to serve on their Leadership Team, as the Coordinator of
Spirituality and Director of Mercy Associates for the next seven years;
and

WHEREAS, Sister Theresa Agliardi then returned to her ministry as a
Pastoral Associate at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Flatlands, New York;

since 2013, she has served in this same position at St. Luke's Church in
Whitestone, New York; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Sister Theresa Agliardi faithfully
served the Diocese of Brooklyn through her participation on numerous
committees, including the Liturgical Commission, the Committee for the
Implementation of the R.C.I.A., the Task Force for the Reconfiguration
of the Diocese, and the Council for Religious; and

WHEREAS, In January of 2002, Bishop Thomas V. Daily presented Sister
Theresa with a Papal Honor, the "Pro Ecclesia y Pontiface Medal" (for
the Church and the Pope) recognizing her many years of dedicated and
loving service to the People of God; and

WHEREAS, In September of 2017, Sister Theresa Agliardi will joyfully
commemorate her 50th year as a Sister of Mercy; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention 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 Sister Theresa Agliardi, RSM upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy on May 10,
2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sister Theresa Agliardi, RSM.