SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 663
WHEREAS, The conclusion of Ismael G. Casanova's tenure as a
deacon of the Archdiocese of San Antonio in 2016 provides a
fitting opportunity to recognize the contributions of this
esteemed Texan; and
WHEREAS, A San Antonio native, Mr. Casanova grew up in the
Catholic faith; he graduated from Harlandale High School in 1960
and worked at the local air force base for three years before
joining the United States Army; in 1967, after serving a tour of
duty in Vietnam, he received his honorable discharge; the
following year, he married Sylvia Ann Velazquez, and the couple
raised two sons, Ismael and Leonel, and shared 30 joyous years
until her death in 1998; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Casanova earned a bachelor's degree from Texas
State University in 1977 and went on to enjoy a career with the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, first
at its regional office in Dallas and then at the office in San
Antonio; and
WHEREAS, Following his return to San Antonio, Mr. Casanova
became actively involved in leading the youth ministry program at
San Fernando Cathedral, and in 1993, he felt a calling to serve
the church in a more formal capacity; that year, he entered the
diaconate program, and he was ordained as a deacon on August 29,
1997; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Deacon Casanova served at San
Fernando Cathedral as well as at Saint Mary Magdalen Church; his
dutiesincludedvisitingthesick,teaching,counseling,and
volunteering his time on a number of parish committees and
councils; he retired from the diaconate on June 28, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Ismael Casanova has set an inspiring example of
faith in action, and countless residents of the San Antonio
community have benefited from his wisdom and able leadership;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize Deacon Ismael G. Casanova for his
service to the Archdiocese of San Antonio and extend to him
sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Deacon
Casanova as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
Menéndez
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 24, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate