HJ0049eng 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 49

WHEREAS, The Sisters of the Resurrection were originally founded by four Polish women in Rome, Italy in 1891; they arrived in Chicago in 1900, where the Sisters dedicated themselves to serving all who were in need, wherever they were to be found, especially in Northwest Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Led by faith, Sister Ann Strzelecka purchased land in 1912; it is now home to both Resurrection High School and Resurrection Medical Center; and

WHEREAS, In the decades to come, the Sisters of the Resurrection provided extraordinary outreach, education, medical care, and a steadfast, supportive presence to the vulnerable communities throughout the neighborhoods in Northwest Chicago; and

WHEREAS, The Sisters of the Resurrection highlight and model for others what it means to give one's self to a life of service; in their daily life of prayer, community work, and ongoing education, the Sisters also give witness to a life of servant leadership; and

WHEREAS, Continuing the tradition of their founding Polish pioneers, the Sisters model selflessness, generosity, and community values; these faith-filled Catholic women continue to inspire others to answer the call of serving others; their focus on listening and responding to the needs of their communities continues to inspire others to enter care-giving professions, especially healthcare and education; and

WHEREAS, Many of the Sisters of the Resurrection continue to live in the community of Northwest Chicago and support community efforts in their daily work and prophetic witness; their support of the recent restoration of the chapel at Resurrection Medical Center will provide a space for reflection, prayer, and peace for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, The Sisters of the Resurrection health care ministry has brought healing and hope to thousands of their neighbors, with the Sisters persevering and overcoming adversity with tremendous faith, leadership and tenacity in order to provide care and dignity to all those in need; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we declare April 22, 2019 Sisters of Resurrection Day in Illinois to honor their legacy, mission, and commitment to providing critical healthcare and high-quality education to the vulnerable populations in Chicago for 119 years.