Senate Resolution No. 2080
BY: Senator KAPLAN
HONORING Monsignor Patrick J. Whitney upon the
occasion of his retirement after many years of
distinguished service to St. Peter of Alcantara
Roman Catholic Church
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 honor
Monsignor Patrick J. Whitney upon the occasion of his retirement after
many years of distinguished service to St. Peter of Alcantara Roman
Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, Born in Northwest Ireland, Patrick J. Whitney graduated
from the local boys' high school before entering the Vincentian Seminary
of All Hallows in Dublin; he entered the seminary at the start of the
Second Vatican Council in 1962, undertaking a six year program of
studies and was ordained at the age of 24; and
WHEREAS, Ordained a priest on June 17, 1968, Father Patrick J.
Whitney began his illustrious career in the ministry at St. Anne's in
Garden City (1969-1975) with the Religious Education Program under his
direction; and
WHEREAS, Father Patrick J. Whitney then served St. Mary's in Roslyn
for five years, followed by St. Phillip Neri in Northport where he
served for eight years; and
WHEREAS, With the growth of the Catholic population in Ronkonkoma,
New York, Bishop McGann asked Father Patrick J. Whitney to undertake the
job of building a new parish; during this time, he educated himself in
many new areas, including the neighborhood, real estate, construction,
team building and fundraising; and
WHEREAS, A piece of property was located and Father Patrick J.
Whitney became the Founding Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in
Ronkonkoma, where he served for more than 18 years; and
WHEREAS, Father Patrick J. Whitney arrived at St. Peter of Alcantara
Roman Catholic Church in 2006; named Monsignor in 2018 by Pope Francis,
he 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
honor Monsignor Patrick J. Whitney upon the occasion of his retirement
after many years of distinguished service to St. Peter of Alcantara
Roman Catholic Church; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Monsignor Patrick J. Whitney.
