88R33149 BPG-D
 
  By: Allen H.R. No. 2383
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
  a close with the death of the Reverend Monsignor Patrick Roland
  Wells of Houston on May 11, 2023, at the age of 92; and
         WHEREAS, The son of Luther and Stella Wells, Patrick Wells
  was born in Ames, Texas, on April 1, 1931; he served in the U.S. Air
  Force, rising to the rank of staff sergeant, and went on to pursue
  an academic career; after completing a doctorate in pharmaceutical
  science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he taught at Fordham
  University and became the first Black faculty member at the
  University of Nebraska-Lincoln's School of Pharmacy; he then served
  with distinction for many years as dean of the College of Pharmacy
  at Texas Southern University, and he was the editor of the Journal
  of the National Pharmaceutical Association and active in a number
  of professional organizations; and
         WHEREAS, Following his retirement from TSU in 1990, Monsignor
  Wells earned a master of divinity degree from Sacred Heart School of
  Theology in Wisconsin; he was ordained as a priest in 1993 and
  served from then until 2006 as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi
  Catholic Church in Houston; known for his insightful, empathetic,
  and engaging sermons, he traveled the country to speak to Catholic
  groups, and he was dedicated to helping those in need beyond the
  church walls; he had a wonderful sense of humor and a rare ability
  to connect with people from all walks of life; and
         WHEREAS, Monsignor Wells was a founding member of the Unity
  Explosion-Houston Conference, focused on Black Catholic liturgy
  and ministry; moreover, he assisted Black Catholic seminarians in
  their vocation journeys; among other leadership roles, he was a
  consultant to the board of the National Black Catholic Apostolate
  for Life and a longtime member of the National Black Catholic Clergy
  Caucus and the Knights of Peter Claver; he was a chaplain for
  sailors and served in that capacity on cruise ships as well; his
  final assignment was at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in
  Port Isabel; in 2017, he retired to a priests' community; and
         WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his religious calling, Monsignor
  Wells enriched the lives of innumerable people through his warmth,
  wisdom, and compassion, and his contributions will continue to be a
  source of inspiration for years to come; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of the Reverend
  Monsignor Patrick Roland Wells and extend sincere sympathy to the
  members of his family: to his son, Henry Gaddis, and his wife,
  Neyluz; to his grandchildren, Aziza Astrid, Xonzy, Henry, and
  Juliana; to his sister-in-law, Bennie Wells; and to his many other
  relatives and friends; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
  Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of the
  Reverend Monsignor Patrick Roland Wells.