RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Father Edward Linton, O.S.B., will complete his term as pastor of Chicago's historic St. James Catholic Parish on June 5, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has been apprised of this event by Alderman Bob Fioretti ofthe 2nd Ward; and
WHEREAS, Father Linton has served the community of St. James on Wabash with energy and creativity since his appointment as pastor in 2002; and
WHEREAS, St. James on Wabash is a diverse community that serves four institutions of higher learning with their semi-transient populations, as well as permanent Chicago residents of every racial and economic background; and
WHEREAS, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, Father Linton professed his vows as a monk of the Order of St. Benedict in 1986, and was ordained a priest in the order in 1991; and
WHEREAS, before coming to St. James on Wabash, Father Linton served as associate pastor of St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, Indiana;
WHEREAS, in addition to his parish ministries, Father Linton has many academic accomplishments, including a Master of Divinity degree from St. Meinrad School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Indiana; a Master's Degree in English Literature from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont; and a Doctorate in Speech Communications from Southern Illinois University; and
WHEREAS, Father Linton has also taught at the college level at St. Meinrad and at Southern Illinois University; and
WHEREAS, upon completion of his term as pastor at St. James on Wabash, Father Linton will return to St. Meinrad Seminary as Director ofthe Institute for Priests and Presbyterates, and will be responsible for the continuing spiritual and pastoral development of current priests; and
WHEREAS, while at St. James on Wabash, Father Linton brought St. Benedict's persistent commitment to charity and hospitality, teaching his parishioners to see and value the person of Jesus in others; and
WHEREAS, as a result of his efforts and inspiration, St. James on Wabash Parish is a vigorous community that invites and welcomes everyone, and is characterized by the care it provides for those in need and the joy the community finds in providing such service; and
WHEREAS, although he will be missed, Father Linton will remain in the hearts and in the work of his parishioners, who lead all Chicagoans in wishing him well; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this 28th day of May, 2014, do hereby extend our most sincere thanks to Father Edward Linton, O.S.B., for his 12 years of ministry as pastor at St. James on Wabash Parish, and we wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that suitable copies of this Resolution be presented to Father Linton as a token of our esteem and good wishes.