85R13906 ALB-D
By: Rodriguez of Bexar H.R. No. 685
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, St. Mary's University in San Antonio is marking the
bicentennial of the Society of Mary on April 1, 2017; and
WHEREAS, In the wake of the French Revolution, Father William
Joseph Chaminade, a diocesan priest, returned from exile in Spain
and began forming small faith communities under the patronage of
the Blessed Mother; membership in the early Marianist Lay
Communities reached nearly 1,000 by 1809, and in 1816, Father
Chaminade supported Adéle de Batz de Trenquelléon in the
establishment of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, now known as the
Marianist Sisters; the following year, the Society of Mary was
created under his direction; and
WHEREAS, With a profound commitment to education, the
Marianists expanded through Europe and beyond, reaching America in
1849; four brothers from the order traveled to San Antonio by
stagecoach, and in 1852 they founded St. Mary's Institute to
promote the ideals of academic excellence, ethical commitment, and
service to the community; today, that same devotion to faith,
learning, and philanthropy continues to inform the successor
institutions, St. Mary's University and Central Catholic High
School; and
WHEREAS, The Society of Mary has worked since its inception
to develop scholarship, leadership, and strong moral character, and
this historic milestone provides a welcome opportunity to recognize
the Marianists for their positive impact on the lives of many
generations of Texans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the bicentennial of the Society of
Mary and extend to all those participating in the observance at
St. Mary's University sincere best wishes for a memorable and
meaningful event; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Society of Mary as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.