A resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese of New York.

Whereas it is a tradition of the Senate to honor and pay tribute to those places and institutions within the United States with historic significance that has contributed to the culture and traditions of the citizens of the United States;

Whereas, in accordance with this tradition, the Senate is proud to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese of New York and its history of faith and service;

Whereas the Archdiocese of New York has planned a year-long series of events beginning in April 2007 to celebrate its bicentennial;

Whereas the Archdiocese of New York is coordinating with Catholic Charities of New York to institute an Archdiocese of New York Day of Service to celebrate its history of serving the broader community;

Whereas, on April 8, 1808, the Diocese of New York was established with the Most Reverend R. Luke Concanen as its first Bishop, and the Diocese was elevated to an Archdiocese in 1850;

Whereas, on March 15, 1875, His Eminence John Cardinal McCloskey, the second Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York, became the first Cardinal Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States;

Whereas the Archdiocese of New York has welcomed Papal visits from Pope Paul VI, on October 5, 1965, and Pope John Paul II, on October 7, 1979 and October 5, 1995;

Whereas, on September 14, 1975, Elizabeth Ann Seton, a member of the Archdiocese of New York and founder of the modern Catholic education parochial school system, became the first person born in the United States to be named a saint;

Whereas Elizabeth Ann Seton is described on the front doors of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as a Daughter of New York and several schools are named after her, including Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey;

Whereas the Archdiocese of New York is currently under the spiritual guidance of His Eminence Edward M. Cardinal Egan, who was installed on June 19, 2000 and elevated to Cardinal on February 21, 2001;

Whereas the Archdiocese of New York originally included the entirety of the States of New York and New Jersey, an area that is now divided into 12 dioceses;

Whereas the Archdiocese of New York has 2,500,000 Catholics in its fold;

Whereas the Archdiocese of New York consists of 402 parishes, 278 elementary and high schools, and 3,729 charitable ministries, including Catholic Charities, hospitals, nursing homes, and outreach programs; and

Whereas, throughout its rich historical past and up to the present day, the Archdiocese of New York has been sustained by the beneficent efforts of countless parishioners and ministries that have generously supported their community with abundant kindness and good deeds: Now, therefore, be it