Pennsylvania SR 178: A Resolution designating the week of November 23 through 29, 2025, as "Pennsylvania Week of Prayer and Thanksgiving."

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1263
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 178
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY MASTRIANO, MARTIN, STEFANO, VOGEL AND CULVER,
OCTOBER 21, 2025
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, OCTOBER 21, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of November 23 through 29, 2025, as
"Pennsylvania Week of Prayer and Thanksgiving."
WHEREAS, Faith has been a cornerstone of civic and community
life in this Commonwealth since its founding, shaping the values
of liberty, tolerance and mutual responsibility; and
WHEREAS, William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, envisioned
this Commonwealth as a "Holy Experiment," a refuge for religious
freedom and freedom of conscience, declaring that "True
godliness doesn't turn men out of the world, but enables them to
live better in it, and excites their endeavors to mend it," and
affirming that "Force may make hypocrites, but it can make no
converts"; and
WHEREAS, The Founding Fathers of the United States recognized
the importance of prayer, thanksgiving and moral guidance in
public life; and
WHEREAS, President George Washington proclaimed national days
of prayer and thanksgiving, affirming the necessity of gratitude
to Almighty God; and
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

WHEREAS, President John Adams emphasized the indispensable
role of religion and morality in sustaining good governance and
civic virtue; and
WHEREAS, President Thomas Jefferson championed religious
freedom, individual conscience and the free exercise of faith as
central to liberty; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin Franklin, at the Constitutional Convention,
invoked divine providence to guide the deliberations that framed
our nation's Constitution; and
WHEREAS, These examples, along with the enduring legacy of
Pennsylvania's diverse faith communities, reflect the unbroken
tradition of prayer, thanksgiving and religious liberty that
continues to inspire the people of this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Thanksgiving embodies the universal spirit of
gratitude, service and reflection, encouraging Pennsylvanians to
strengthen family bonds, engage in community service and
reaffirm shared values of humility and civic responsibility; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the historic and ongoing role of prayer
and thanksgiving affirms the Senate's commitment to religious
freedom, civic virtue and community engagement; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the week of November 23
through 29, 2025, as "Pennsylvania Week of Prayer and
Thanksgiving"; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage all Pennsylvanians to
observe this week with prayer, reflection, community service and
expressions of gratitude, in honor of the Commonwealth's
heritage and in celebration of the blessings of liberty and
unity.
20250SR0178PN1263 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28