By: Luna S.R. No. 1308
1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION
1-2 WHEREAS, The parishioners of San Fernando Cathedral in
1-3 San Antonio will celebrate a fiesta on May 29, 1995, in honor
1-4 of their rector, the Reverend Virgilio P. Elizondo, for his 12
1-5 glorious years of service; and
1-6 WHEREAS, A native of San Antonio, Father Elizondo has
1-7 faithfully served the congregation of San Fernando Cathedral since
1-8 1983 and will be leaving his present position for a new post; and
1-9 WHEREAS, Father Elizondo's outstanding academic
1-10 background reflects his extensive preparation for the work he
1-11 does: after receiving a bachelor of science degree in chemistry
1-12 from Saint Mary's University, he earned his master's degree in
1-13 pastoral studies from the Ateneo University in Manila and his doctor
1-14 of sacred theology degree from the Institut Catholique in Paris,
1-15 France; and
1-16 WHEREAS, A strong religious leader, Father Elizondo has made
1-17 unique contributions to San Antonio, to Texas, to the United States,
1-18 and to the global community; he is the founder and first president
1-19 of the Mexican American Cultural Center and founder and first
1-20 director of the Incarnate Word Pastoral Institute; he also is the
1-21 founder and executive producer of the international weekly televised
1-22 mass for the Americas, Nuestra Santa Misa de las Americas, which has
1-23 the highest national ratings on Spanish TV on Sunday mornings and is
2-1 viewed by over 11 million people; and
2-2 WHEREAS, Through Nuestra Santa Misa de las Americas, the
2-3 priest has opened a window to the beauty of San Antonio's unique
2-4 spirit of "unity through diversity" for millions of viewers
2-5 throughout the Americas, prompting many visitors to the city to
2-6 experience this spirit; and
2-7 WHEREAS, This noted theologian is also known for his
2-8 penetrating and imaginative writings regarding Christianity and
2-9 Indo-Hispanic culture, as well as third world people; and
2-10 WHEREAS, Father Elizondo has been a participant on the
2-11 MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour, Peter Jennings Newscast, ABC-TV
2-12 Christmas Special, CBS-TV four-part special on the new church
2-13 of Latin America, NBC-TV with Perry Como's Christmas Special,
2-14 Ted Koppel's Nightline on issues facing the Pope in the church in
2-15 the United States, BBC in England, as well as information service
2-16 programs for French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Dutch audiences;
2-17 and
2-18 WHEREAS, An articulate spokesman for his faith, the learned
2-19 priest has authored nine books and has been a guest lecturer for
2-20 numerous conferences and symposiums on the Catholic faith; and
2-21 WHEREAS, The parishioners of San Fernando Cathedral have
2-22 affirmed their love for Father Virgilio and his many outstanding
2-23 qualities by simply showing up at cathedral masses in record
2-24 numbers over the past decade; now, therefore, be it
2-25 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
3-1 74th Legislature, hereby commend Father Virgilio P. Elizondo for
3-2 his extraordinary work as rector of San Fernando Cathedral and
3-3 express its deep appreciation to him for his devotion to the people
3-4 of his parish; and, be it further
3-5 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him
3-6 as an expression of the high regard of the Texas Senate.
3-7 ______________________________________
3-8 President of the Senate
3-9 I hereby certify that the above
3-10 Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-11 on May 28, 1995.
3-12 ______________________________________
3-13 Secretary of the Senate
3-14 ______________________________________
3-15 Member, Texas Senate