Assembly Resolution No. 409
BY: M. of A. Buttenschon
COMMENDING The Reverend John Mikalajunas upon the
occasion of celebrating his 50th Anniversary of his
Ordination to the Priesthood
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
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish
themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and
preeminence of service; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend The Reverend John Mikalajunas upon the occasion of celebrating
his 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on Sunday, May
19, 2019, during the Holy Mass at Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Utica,
New York, followed by a Dinner Reception at the Polish Community Club;
and
WHEREAS, Reverend John Mikalajunas 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, As a student at St. Stanislaus Kostka Elementary School in
Binghamton, New York, John Mikalajunas came to respect the joy his
parish priests shared with him and his classmates; he knew at this young
age he wanted to imitate the kindness and service of these great
leaders, most notably his pastor from birth to ordination, Father
Guzewicz; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Johnson City High School, John
Mikalajunas received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from St.
Mary's College in Orchard Lake, Michigan; he went on to earn a Master of
Divinity degree from SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary; and
WHEREAS, Ordained on May 17, 1959, in Syracuse, New York, Reverend
John Mikalajunas served one year in Syracuse before spending 39 years in
the Southern Tier; he then moved on to Holy Trinity Roman Catholic
Church in Utica, where he has served as pastor for a decade; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Reverend John Mikalajunas,
Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church is open to all who wish to worship in
its splendid granite gothic-style church on Lincoln Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades,
Reverend John Mikalajunas was bestowed the title of Honorary Canon of
Lublin by Archbishop Stanislaus Budzik in 2015; he also received the
2019 Fr. Leopold Moczygemba Award from the Polish American Priests
Association; 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 custom 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 Reverend John Mikalajunas upon the occasion of celebrating
his 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to 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
transmitted to The Reverend John Mikalajunas.
