HR882 - Commemorating the 75th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston.

      H.R. No. 882       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston is   celebrating the 75th anniversary of its founding on June 28, 2025;   and          WHEREAS, The parish was established by decree of Bishop   Wendelin J. Nold on June 26, 1950, and five years later, its school   opened its doors to the community; under the leadership of Father   John Cummings, congregants initially met at Kashmere Gardens   Elementary School; and          WHEREAS, The church's current sanctuary was built in 1965 and   features a roof in the shape of a capuche, the pointed cowl worn by   St. Francis and other monks; the building survived flood damage   from Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 and from Hurricane Harvey in   2017, the latter of which necessitated 19 months of renovations and   restorations; parishioners have also endured and overcome   hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately   strengthened their faith and their resolve to continue serving   their neighbors; and          WHEREAS, Originally composed of Czech and other European   immigrants, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is today a   predominantly African American congregation that also includes a   number of Filipino and Hispanic families; it is ably guided by   Father Martin Eke of the Missionary of St. Paul of Nigeria, and   parishioners are committed to upholding their motto "one family,   one love" by supporting a number of commendable programs that   foster fellowship and offer help to those in need; the parish   continues to be civically engaged in the Kashmere Gardens community   through such endeavors as hosting a mayoral debate in collaboration   with The Metropolitan Organization in 2023; and          WHEREAS, Countless Houston residents have looked to St.   Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for spiritual guidance over the   years, and it is a pleasure to join in honoring the church at this   special time in its rich history; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby commemorate the 75th anniversary of St. Francis   of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston and extend to its members   sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for the church as an expression of high regard by the Texas   House of Representatives.     Dutton     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 882 was adopted by the House on June   1, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House