1-1 ****** NEED TWO-PAGE HEADER ****** 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1229 1-3 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great 1-4 pleasure in recognizing the Most Reverend James A. Tamayo, D.D., 1-5 on the grand occasion of his 25th anniversary of ordination into 1-6 the priesthood; and 1-7 WHEREAS, This outstanding church leader began his early 1-8 spiritual journey on June 11, 1976, in Corpus Christi Cathedral 1-9 with the Most Reverend Thomas J. Drury, D.D., officiating at 1-10 his ordination; he was ordained to the college of bishops on 1-11 March 10, 1993, in Houston, Texas; and 1-12 WHEREAS, On August 9, 2000, Bishop Tamayo was warmly 1-13 welcomed into his post as the first Bishop of the new Diocese 1-14 of Laredo; the long-awaited historic moment for Catholics in 1-15 South Texas was witnessed by well over 2,000; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Blessed with an innate ability to bring people 1-17 together, Bishop Tamayo was well prepared to face the challenges 1-18 before him; as a native of the Rio Grande Valley, he more than 1-19 understood the intricacies of the border and the importance 1-20 of reuniting Catholics with their faith in the church; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Bishop Tamayo was born October 23, 1949, in 1-22 Brownsville, Texas, and his outstanding academic background 2-1 reflects his extensive preparation for the work he does, 2-2 including graduating magna cum laude from the University of 2-3 Saint Thomas with a bachelor of arts degree and earning a 2-4 master of arts degree; and 2-5 WHEREAS, For 25 years, parishioners have affirmed their love 2-6 for Bishop Tamayo and his unique contributions; his opening a window 2-7 of unity through diversity has led many to reunite with the church; 2-8 now, therefore, be it 2-9 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-10 77th Legislature, hereby commend the Most Reverend James A. Tamayo 2-11 for his 25 years of spiritual guidance and extend all best wishes 2-12 for the future; and, be it further 2-13 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared 2-14 for Bishop Tamayo as a token of esteem and high regard from the 2-15 Texas Senate. 2-16 Zaffirini 2-17 ______________________________________ 2-18 President of the Senate 2-19 I hereby certify that the above 2-20 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-21 on May 26, 2001. 2-22 ______________________________________ 2-23 Secretary of the Senate 2-24 ______________________________________ 2-25 Member, Texas Senate