04-R 135

2004 -- S 2980

03/18/04

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

COMMEMORATING THE FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH

Introduced By: Senators J Montalbano, Paiva-Weed, Algiere, Tassoni, and P Fogarty

Date Introduced: March 18, 2004

     WHEREAS, On March 19, we respectfully and joyfully commemorate the feast day of

St. Joseph; and

     WHEREAS, Scripture records no words spoken by Joseph of the House of David.

Known only by his deeds, Joseph took his place in the history of his people as a man of quiet

courage and deep faith, tested often in Nazareth, in Bethlehem, and in Egypt. Humble and noble,

patient and determined, he bore his burdens with dignity, his enduring strength as patriarch of the

family and as a guide and guardian in times of peril overcoming all adversity; and

     WHEREAS, This man, Joseph, is envisioned by Christians throughout the world as the

embodiment of family solidarity – a dedicated, humble, hard-working father and husband, a man,

almost self-effacing in his love and concern for his family, but determined and resolute in the face

of his community’s murmurings, and daring and courageous in eluding Herod’s men; and

     WHEREAS, Our drifting society of today still yearns to capture what Joseph’s life

embodied: noble humanity overcoming adversity; the just peace of a beloved and loving man; and

the wealth of faith; now, therefore be it

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

hereby commemorates the feast of St. Joseph and the principles his life celebrates; and be it

further

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

hereby commemorates the virtues of St. Joseph and celebrates his feast day in joy and harmony,

strengthened in will by his example and refreshed in spirit to meet the challenges of the future.

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LC03008

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