Senate Resolution No. 5603

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING The Very Reverend Walter M. Madej upon
the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of his
Ordination into the Priesthood

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who 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 individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Very
Reverend Walter M. Madej upon the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of
his Ordination into the Priesthood; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished 50-year career in the
ministry, Reverend Walter M. Madej has served in numerous communities
throughout the State of New York including New York Mills, Albany,
Amsterdam, Little Falls, Utica, Rome, Clinton, Rochester, and Buffalo,
as well as various locations in New York City; and

WHEREAS, For the past 21 years, Reverend Walter M. Madej has held
the position of Pastor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus-Holy Cross Polish
National Catholic Church located on 206 Main Street, in New York Mills,
New York; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his leadership role at the church, Reverend
Walter M. Madej established and founded the New York Mills Bell Monument
Festival in July of 2000; he also holds the title of Chaplain of both
the New York Mills Volunteer Fire Department, and the VFW Edward Bator
Post, where he performs services for the local Purple Heart Veterans
Organization; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Walter M. Madej also founded the White Eagle
Medical Bridge of Upstate New York, Inc., a not-for-profit organization
which provides medical assistance, medical equipment and medical
supplies to the country of Poland as well as bringing medical students
to the United States to upgrade their skills and training; this vital
organization helps Americans with medical assistance, as well as victims
of natural disasters in the United States and internationally; and

WHEREAS, Through the Sacred Heart of Jesus-Holy Cross Polish
National Catholic Church, Reverend Walter M. Madej and the Parish
Committee established a scholarship for the youth of the Parish for
those pursuing a college education; in 2016, The Michael J. Dubiel
Scholarship Foundation was established for special needs youth in the
whole community; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Walter M. Madej is a member of the Board of
Directors, and is Vice-President of Liberty Affordable Housing, Inc., a

not-for-profit organization which provides affordable housing to New
York State residents and people throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Walter M. Madej has brought to his ministry an
overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and
professional integrity and dedication; 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
commend The Very Reverend Walter M. Madej upon the occasion of the 50th
Anniversary of his Ordination into the Priesthood, noting his
unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God,
man, and his community, and extending to him heartfelt best wishes for a
future of continued purposeful success and well-being; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend Walter M. Madej.