SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 125
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the Most Reverend Bishop Joe Steve Vásquez, who was
recently appointed to serve as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of
Galveston-Houston by Pope Francis; and
WHEREAS, A native of Stamford, Texas, Archbishop-Designate
Vásquez has served the Catholic Diocese of Austin since 2010; he
earned a bachelor's degree in theology from the University of
Saint Thomas in Houston and a licentiate in sacred theology from
the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome; and
WHEREAS, After his ordination into the priesthood in 1984,
he devoted himself as a pastor and parochial vicar at churches in
Odessa, Fort Stockton, and San Angelo; in 2002, he received
episcopal ordination and was named auxiliary bishop of the
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, where he gained significant
experience as a vicar, chancellor, moderator, and secretariat
director; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Vásquez was installed as the fifth bishop
of the Diocese of Austin in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, and over
the last 15 years, he has faithfully served more than 700,000
Catholics and religious leaders in 25 Central Texas counties; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed bishop is returning to the
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on March 25, 2025, to lead a
diverse and growing ministry of 1.8 million members and to
fulfill his mission to care for families, minister to young
adults, and promote the priesthood for future Catholic leaders;
he is a highly esteemed and beloved clergyman, and he is truly
deserving of special recognition for his life of ministerial
service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby commend Archbishop-Designate Joe Steve
Vásquez on his decades of exemplary spiritual leadership and his
devoted service to the Diocese of Austin and extend to him best
wishes for success in his new role as Archbishop of
Galveston-Houston; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Eckhardt
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 20, 2025.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate