SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 387

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
join the members and clergy of San Fernando Cathedral and the 
citizens of San Antonio in celebrating the cathedral's 
dedication on March 29, 2003; and

	WHEREAS, The dedication marks the completion of the 
restoration of the historic cathedral; the cathedral's walls are 
the oldest standing structures in the City of San Antonio; and

	WHEREAS, The San Fernando Cathedral has a long and 
distinguished history; the church had its beginnings with
the arrival of 15 families at the Presidio of San Antonio on
March 9, 1731; the families had come to establish a permanent 
settlement in the remote territory of Texas to prevent possible 
incursion by the French; and

	WHEREAS, The cornerstone of the church building in the
new village, La Villa de San Fernando, was laid in 1738, thus 
becoming the first parish church in Texas; the church was 
completed in 1755, and the original walls still stand today, 
forming what is now the sanctuary of the church; and

	WHEREAS, The church has long been considered the 
geographical center of the city, and a white marble circle on the 
floor beneath the dome still marks all distances in and out of
San Antonio; throughout the years there have been many remodeling 
and renovation projects, and numerous historical events have 
taken place in and around San Fernando Cathedral; and

	WHEREAS, Several battles occurred in San Antonio during 
the War for Mexican Independence and many of the fallen soldiers 
were buried in the church; the Battle of the Alamo in 1836 began 
after Mexican General Santa Anna raised his battle flag from the 
tower of the church, and the remains of Alamo defenders were 
purportedly buried under the sanctuary railing; and

	WHEREAS, Various church and civic dignitaries have visited 
the cathedral over its long history; Pope John Paul II spoke to 
students there in 1987, and presidents, politicians, ambassadors, 
governors, and other leaders have been a part of the cathedral's 
history; and

	WHEREAS, The French Gothic building, which is now the main 
body of the church, was completed in 1873 in preparation for the 
naming of San Antonio as a diocese with San Fernando as its 
cathedral by Pope Pius IX; in 1926, San Fernando was blessed as
a metropolitan cathedral, the official church of an archbishop; 
the current archbishop, the Most Reverend Patrick F. Flores, was 
installed in 1979 and is the first native Texan to serve in that 
position; and

	WHEREAS, San Fernando Cathedral is considered the 
spiritual center of San Antonio; each week over 4,000 people 
participate in its weekend Masses; over 900 baptisms, 100 
weddings, 70 funerals, and countless other ceremonies are 
performed there each year, and events such as symphonies, 
concerts, and television specials are regularly scheduled; and

	WHEREAS, The restoration of San Fernando Cathedral will 
assure that the historical significance of the church will be 
maintained for the benefit of its members, for the citizens of 
San Antonio, and for all people of Texas; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, congratulate the citizens of San Antonio on
the dedication of San Fernando Cathedral and extend best wishes
to all attending this joyful event; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as a 
memento of this special occasion.
                                                                    Van de Putte




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 17, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate