SR1022 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1022 LRB099 14304 GRL 38441 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Father Mario Pedi, O.S.B., who passed away on August 28, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Father Mario Pedi was born on November 2, 1926 and was baptized as Stephen at St. Bernardine Parish in Forest Park; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Proviso High School in 1945, Father Mario Pedi studied at Loyola University and St. Procopius College; after entering Marmion Abbey in 1952, he professed his first vows and took the name of Mario in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary; he made his solemn monastic profession on August 10, 1956 and was ordained as a priest on May 11, 1957; and

WHEREAS, From 1957 to 1971, Father Mario Pedi served at Marmion Military Academy as an instructor, commandant, and librarian; from 1968 to 1971, he served as Principal of the Lake Street Campus of the Academy; he also taught at Delbarton School in New Jersey from 1971 to 1973, Fieldstone School in New York City from 1974 to 1976, and served as rector of St. Edward's Hall at the University of Notre Dame from 1976 to 1986; during his years at Notre Dame, he was well known for his hospitality and for the personal contacts he maintained with students after graduation; and

WHEREAS, Father Mario Pedi served as pastor of Annunciation Church in Aurora from 1986 to 2009; as pastor, he oversaw the restoration of the church's interior and added a number of new artistic works, including a rendering of the Annunciation on the facade of the church and an outdoor Way of the Cross in the parish cemetery; he also introduced the celebration of the Luminary Mass in the cemetery each fall; and

WHEREAS, After his retirement from active ministry in 2009, Father Mario Pedi returned to Marmion Abbey; during his final years, Father Mario remained faithful to daily prayer with his monastic community and to his priestly pastoral ministry at local parishes; and

WHEREAS, Father Mario Pedi was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Mary (nee Brocato); his brothers, Sal and Philip; and his niece, Virginia Wohn; and

WHEREAS, Father Mario Pedi is survived by members of his monastic community; his brothers, Roy (Patricia) and John (Roberta); his sister, Marianne (George) Wohn; his nieces, Debbie Pedi, Beverly (Jim) Crupi, Laura (Joe) Ruddy, Kim Kane, Terrie Foster, and Nicole Barzano; his nephews, Stephen Foster and Brian, David, and Michael Wohn; and his many great-nephews and great-nieces; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Father Mario Pedi; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Father Mario Pedi as an expression of our sympathy.