HR0168 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0168 LRB103 31610 ECR 59934 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Sister Rosemary Connelly on receiving the 2023 Laetare Award from the University of Notre Dame; and

WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly walked through Misericordia's doors for the first time in August of 1969; and

WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly identified that there were no goals or challenges for the children to grow emotionally, psychologically, and educationally; and

WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly contacted experts in academia and government, requesting their help in developing services and programs, but was told at every turn there were not programs for children with developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Being told she should create her own programs for children with developmental disabilities, Sister Rosemary Connelly did, including building classrooms for primary education and developing programs for self-help skills, speech and physical therapy, and recreational activities; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, Sister Rosemary Connelly was in the process of looking for a home for ambulatory children who did not require skilled nursing services that were provided at Misericordia; she sought a home-like setting where the children could develop independence; and

WHEREAS, The Archdiocese of Chicago offered a portion of the ceased 31-acre campus of the Angel Guardian Orphanage to Sister Rosemary Connelly, and she moved into the "North Campus" with 39 children; and

WHEREAS, Over 1,200 staff members and thousands of volunteers serve at the present Misericordia campus in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, serving over 600 children and adult residents; and

WHEREAS, The University of Notre Dame's president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, announced that Sister Rosemary Connelly will receive the 2023 Laetare Medal at the university's upcoming commencement ceremony; and

WHEREAS, This recognition is named for its announcement occurring during the celebration of Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent in the Catholic Church, and the medal has the inscription "Magna est veritas et praevalebit" meaning "Truth is mighty, and it shall prevail" in Latin; and

WHEREAS, The University of Notre Dame established this award in 1883 as an American counterpart to the Golden Rose papal honor and is awarded at Notre Dame to a Catholic "whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the Church and enriched the heritage of humanity"; and

WHEREAS, In his announcement of this award, Rev. Jenkins of Notre Dame stated that Sister Rosemary Connelly, with her characteristic tenacity, grace, and genius, has ensured that the residents of Misericordia have the quality of life and opportunities they deserve; and

WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly transitioned to chairwoman of the board of the Misericordia Foundation from her previous role as executive director; and

WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly has stated she is thankful that Misericordia exists, serving as a place where the children are respected and loved and the staff is very committed to them; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Sister Rosemary Connelly on receiving the 2023 Laetare Award from the University of Notre Dame and for her years of commitment and success to Misericordia Home; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution may be presented to Sister Rosemary Connelly as an expression of our esteem and respect.