2013 -- S 1007

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LC02807

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING FATHER BERNARD M. O'REILLY ON HIS RETIREMENT

     Introduced By: Senators P Fogarty, and Goodwin

     Date Introduced: June 20, 2013

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

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     WHEREAS, All to often we fail to hear of people who contribute meaningfully to the

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society in which we live. Father Bernard M. O'Reilly from Saint Patrick's Church in Harrisville is

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one of the wonderful individuals who makes Rhode Island the special place it is. His kind,

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encouraging words have led many to a more fulfilling existence; and

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     WHEREAS, One of nine children of the late Myles and Bridget (McDermott) O'Reilly,

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Father Bernard M. O'Reilly, or Father Bernie, as he is affectionately known, was born in County

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Cavan, Ireland; and

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     WHEREAS, Bernard O'Reilly focused his undergraduate and graduate work in Ireland on

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philosophy, theology, and Gaelic football and rugby. Ordained to the holy priesthood in Ireland

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on June 8, 1969, for the Diocese of Providence, Father Bernie arrived at his first assignment as

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Assistant Pastor of Assumption Parish in Providence in September of that year; and

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     WHEREAS, Over the years, he served as an associate pastor in a number of other

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parishes throughout the state, including Saint Edward, Branch Avenue, Saint William, Warwick,

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Saint Bernard, North Kingstown and Saint Lawrence, North Providence. While serving in parish

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assignments, Father Bernie simultaneously pursued advanced degrees in English Literature,

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Psychology and Counseling, Biblical Literature and Theology, and Philosophy; and

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     WHEREAS, Father Bernie became a naturalized citizen of the United States on October

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8, 1989. In September, 1990, Father O'Reilly was appointed as the Pastor of Saint Patrick's

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Church in Harrisville, Rhode Island, where he has been ever since, vigorously reaching out to the

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faithful and those in need of moral and spiritual guidance. A beacon of wisdom, compassion, and

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stability throughout the years, Father Bernie has labored long and hard to lead his flock toward

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the light of truth and faith; and

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     WHEREAS, In addition to his pastoral ministry and scholarly pursuits, Father Bernie has

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taught philosophy and theology at Aquinas College, Salve Regina University, and Providence

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College. He also offered individual, marriage, and family counseling at the parishes in which he

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served, as well as through the East Bay Mental Health Clinic and ACI; and

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     WHEREAS, A devout spiritual leader and a man devoted to bettering the lives of all

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Rhode Islanders, Father Bernard M. O'Reilly has left an indelible mark upon this state and has

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earned our admiration and respect; now, therefore, be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations is

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hereby pleased and honored to congratulate this extraordinary individual, Father Bernard M.

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O'Reilly, on his selfless and dedicated service to Saint Patrick’s Church and to people in need

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throughout the Ocean State. We wish him the very best health, happiness, and continued success

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in his new ventures; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Father Bernard M. O'Reilly.

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LC02807

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