RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Bishop Samuel Ruiz has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of eighty-six; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Samuel Ruiz led the Catholic Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas from 1959 through 2000 and throughout his ministry worked to create a just, equal, and dignified Mexico free of discrimination; and
WHEREAS, Known as the "Bishop of the Poor," Bishop Samuel Ruiz was a longtime defender of the Mayan Indians who for generations were mistreated and condemned to live in poverty; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Samuel Ruiz worked as a mediator to bring about peace between the Mexican government and Indian rebel groups; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Samuel Ruiz was considered a great source of international conscience, not only for Indian rights, but also for human rights as a whole; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Bishop Samuel Ruiz imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this ninth day of February , 2011, do hereby commemorate Bishop Samuel Ruiz for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bishop Samuel Ruiz.
Alderman - 14th Ward