LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Monsignor Francis Culkin upon the
occasion of his 70th Anniversary in the Priesthood to be celebrated on
May 25, 2014

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 sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those 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 Monsignor
Francis Culkin upon the occasion of his 70th Anniversary in the Priest-
hood to be celebrated with a Mass on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at St.
Peter's Church, Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of St. Mary's School and Fulton High School,
Monsignor Francis Culkin received his Bachelor's degree in Accounting
from Fordham University; he studied for the priesthood at Christ the
King Seminary at St. Bonaventure University and St. Bernard's Seminary
in Rochester; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Francis Culkin was ordained a priest on June 3,
1944, and for more than four decades, he served as Parochial Vicar of
St. John the Baptist in Rome and St. John the Baptist in Syracuse, as
well as Pastor of the Immaculate Conception in Greene, St. Patrick's in
Jordan, and St. Peter's in Rome; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he served at St. Joseph's in Lee Center, and was
Episcopal Vicar of Northwestern Madison and Western Oneida Counties; he
was named an Honorary Prelate by Pope Paul VI in 1973; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Francis Culkin has brought to his ministry an over-
whelming 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 profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Today, at 99 years of age, Monsignor Francis Culkin resides
at St. Mary's in Rome and continues to serve the parish of St. Mary and
St. Peter; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered 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 indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Monsignor Francis Culkin upon the occasion of his 70th Anniver-
sary in the Priesthood, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith
and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending
to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future
of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Monsignor Francis Culkin.