78R13393 JNC-D

By:  Farrar                                                       H.R. No. 1057



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The passing of the Reverend Francis Strafalace of 
Houston on April 18, 2003, has brought a great loss to the many 
friends and relatives of this esteemed Texas clergyman; and
	WHEREAS, Reverend Strafalace was a native of Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania, who answered the call to the ministry after serving 
in the United States Navy; born Frederick Strafalace, he took the 
name Francis as his religious name on ordination in the community of 
Priests of the Sacred Heart; and
	WHEREAS, During his nearly 50 years in the priesthood, he 
served the spiritual needs of Native Americans in South Dakota and 
the underprivileged of inner-city Detroit; and
	WHEREAS, For the past 10 years, Reverend Strafalace made his 
home at the historic Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, one of the oldest 
Hispanic churches in Houston; he developed a special bond with the 
elderly parishioners, continuing to serve these abuelitos long 
after he reached the age of retirement; and
	WHEREAS, A man of immense vision and devotion, Reverend 
Strafalace left an indelible mark on the community he was proud to 
call home, and though he is gone from us now, his memory will surely 
endure in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the life of the Reverend Francis 
Strafalace and extend sincere sympathy to his family: to his 
brothers, Dominic and James Strafalace; to his sisters, Clara 
Brodan and Rose Demma; and to his many parishioners and friends; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
presented to his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of the 
Reverend Francis Strafalace.