Senate Resolution No. 508

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

HONORING Monsignor Frederick D. Leising upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017
Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by the Clarence
Chamber of Commerce on March 2, 2017

WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the
State of New York is 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 those men and women of religious
commitment who have accepted the responsibility of moral leadership and
render the wisdom of human understanding; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Monsignor
Frederick D. Leising upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated at its 45th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday,
March 2, 2017, at Samuel's Grande Manor, in Williamsville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising comes from a long line of
farmers from Clarence, New York; he grew up in the hamlet of Swormville,
New York, where he attended St. Mary's School; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising completed high school and
his first two years of college at the Diocesan Preparatory Seminar in
Buffalo, New York; he finished his college studies at Christ the King
Seminary in East Aurora, New York; and

WHEREAS, Ordained as a Roman Catholic Priest for the Diocese of
Buffalo in 1971, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising furthered his education
by obtaining a Doctorate of Philosophy degree from Notre Dame
University; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising began his teaching career at
Notre Dame High School in Batavia, New York; after 10 years, he became a
professor at the Seminary, and then held the position of
President-Rector for six years; and

WHEREAS, From 2003-2015, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising served as
Pastor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Harris Hill,
New York; throughout his tenure, he encouraged the pastors in Clarence
to meet with each other to share their faith, needs and efforts; and

WHEREAS, Strongly committed to serving and working in partnership
with those living in poverty, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising provided
support to several organizations including St. Martin de Porres Church,
a largely African-American congregation in the City of Buffalo; the
Buffalo Peacemakers, who work to defuse confrontations in the interest
of peace; and Voice Buffalo, a consortium of 50 churches and other
community organizations working to achieve social justice; and

WHEREAS, Well-known and respected for his knowledge, understanding,
wisdom and service, Monsignor Frederick D. Leising played an important
role in helping the residents of the Town of Clarence deal with the
terrible tragedy of Flight 3407, which claimed the lives of three of his
parishioners; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and
has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; 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
honor Monsignor Frederick D. Leising upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achiever of the Year Award by
the Clarence Chamber of Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Monsignor Frederick D. Leising.