Senate Resolution No. 141

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
January 1, 2023, as World Day of Peace in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days which exemplify the spirit and struggle of peoples
throughout the world to achieve independence and live in peace and
freedom; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body hereby memorializes
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 1, 2023, as World Day of Peace
in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Celebrated annually on January 1st, World Day of Peace is
primarily a Catholic feast day dedicated to universal peace on the
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God; on this occasion, Popes make
authoritative declarations on the Catholic Social Teachings (C.S.T.) and
the benefits of a peaceful society; and

WHEREAS, World Day of Peace began in 1967 when Pope Paul VI
announced the world needs to be sensitized and oriented for peace and
understanding; inspired by the papal letters "Pacem in Terris" and
"Populorum Progressio", the Pope recommended the church play a greater
role in the search for world peace; and

WHEREAS, According to the letters "Pacem in Terris" and "Populorum
Progressio," the Church and the Pope would focus on working toward
achieving peace by developing order in four major areas: The
relationship of an individual with other human beings, the relationship
of an individual with particular states, the relationship of states
among states, and the relationship of individuals and states with the
worldwide community; and

WHEREAS, During this time, the church determined that in order to
achieve actual peace, a culture of understanding and tolerance must be
developed, beginning from the individual up to the state and then the
global level; and

WHEREAS, Though the main theme of World Day of Peace, creating a
culture of care, does not change, the sub-themes change each year to
match specific needs and rising issues; and

WHEREAS, In today's world, where intolerance is prevalent, World Day
of Peace serves as a reminder of how important social tolerance is,
gives hope to those facing hardships, and serves as a platform for
people and organizations to give a call to action in the name of world
peace; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 1, 2023, as World
Day of Peace in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.