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