LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Elizabeth Frank, OFS, upon the
occasion of being awarded the Pontifical Cross, the highest honor
bestowed by the Papacy

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
the Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern
and selfless devotion of those who commit their energies and purpose to
meeting the needs of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves through
their unremitting commitment and preeminence of service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Eliza-
beth Frank, OFS, upon the occasion being awarded the Pontifical Cross;
she received this esteemed honor at a Vesper Service on February 3,
2013, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Syracuse, New York;
and
WHEREAS, The Pontifical Cross: Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the
Church and the Pope), is a medal given for distinguished service to the
Church by lay people and clergy; it is the highest medal that can be
awarded to the laity by the Papacy; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth "Betty" Frank is a life-long parishioner of St.
Joseph/St. Patrick's Parish in Utica, New York, the same parish in which
Saint Marianne Cope, to whom Betty has had a personal devotion for 24
years, was raised; and
WHEREAS, Betty Frank has been a member of the Secular Franciscan Order
for 69 years; in addition to her individual practice of attending Mass
daily for decades, she has been instrumental in establishing the
Enthronement of the Sacred Heart, organizing devotion to the Divine
Mercy, Perpetual Adoration and starting prayer groups in her parish for
over 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Betty Frank is also known for the special care and concern
she has shown for the elderly of the Utica community; and
WHEREAS, This faithful woman of God has given not only of her time and
energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Elizabeth Frank, OFS, upon the occasion of being awarded
the Pontifical Cross, and to extend to her the heartfelt best wishes of
this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Elizabeth Frank, OFS.