House Resolution 30

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING REVEREND BERNARD FARRELL FOR HIS SERVICES TO ST. ALPHONSUS CATHOLIC CHURCH, AND CONGRATULATING AND EXTENDING A HEARTY WISH FOR SUCCESS UPON HIS APPOINTMENT AS PASTOR OF ST. ELIZABETH SETON PARISH, OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Rev. Bernard Farrell, former pastor of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where he served faithfully and diligently for approximately 13 years, was appointed to pastor the St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Ocean Springs, effective February 2, 2002; and

WHEREAS, born July 25, 1940 in Galway, Ireland, Rev. Farrell received his early Catholic studies at Mungret College, St. Patrick's College in Carlow, Ireland, and additional studies in 1970 at Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Farrell received his sacred ordination at the Cathedral of Assumption in Carlow, Ireland, on June 13, 1965, and was ordained for the Natchez-Jackson Diocese, making his arrival in Mississippi on August 31, 1965; and

WHEREAS, from the moment of his arrival at the diocese, Rev. Farrell began inspiring and enlightening the hearts of many parishioners by sharing his teaching, preaching, and sharing of the gospel; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Farrell, who has always been dedicated to the concerns of his parishioners, received several successive appointments before his appointment to St. Elizabeth, which have included: assistant pastor, Nativity Parish, Biloxi, in September 1965; assistant pastor, St. Joseph's Parish, Greenville, in September 1969; assistant pastor, St. Joseph, Starkville, in November 1970; and

WHEREAS, other appointments have included; pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Hattiesburg, October 1972; Campus Ministry Director, September 1977; pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Pascagoula in February 1978, with a three-year extension in November 1985; elected to Personnel Board, May 1978; appointment as Dean of East Coast Deanery, January 1985; and pastor of St. Alphonsus, April 1989; and

WHEREAS, loved by all children, who flock to him, Rev. Farrell has been generously supported by all members of the congregation, and will be sorely missed but fondly remembered by the parishioners of St. Alphonsus; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize and commend the accomplishments of such noteworthy individuals as Rev. Bernard Farrell, whose missionary purpose is being fulfilled daily as he shares the sacred messages of love, joy, peace, divinity and devotion with his parishioners:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Rev. Bernard Farrell for his dedicated services provided to the parishioners of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, and congratulate and extend to him our heartiest wishes for success upon his appointment as pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Ocean Springs.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Rev. Bernard Farrell and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.