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.
Allen
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2383 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 29, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House