H.R. No. 2668

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, October 16, 2011, marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of San Angelo; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing the growing Catholic population in and around San Angelo, Pope John XXIII established the diocese on October 16, 1961, carving territory previously included in the dioceses of Amarillo, Austin, El Paso, and Dallas-Fort Worth; Thomas J. Drury was appointed as the first bishop of the Diocese of San Angelo; and

WHEREAS, The diocese today encompasses 29 counties and an area of 37,433 square miles, roughly the size of Ohio, and it serves more than 82,000 Catholics in San Angelo, Abilene, Midland-Odessa, Big Spring, Andrews, and many other communities; the diocese is home to 63 priests and 48 parishes/missions, as well as three elementary schools and the Christ the King Retreat Center, which welcomes people of all faiths; since 1985, the diocese has benefited from the wise and compassionate leadership of its fifth and longest-serving bishop, the Most Reverend Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI; and

WHEREAS, For the past five decades, the Diocese of San Angelo has contributed greatly to the communities it serves, and it has enriched the lives of countless people of faith; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of San Angelo and extend to its parishioners and clergy sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the diocese as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Craddick Darby

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 2668 was adopted by the House on May 28, 2011, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House