89R21525 CJM-D
By: Bettencourt S.R. No. 350
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, archbishop of the
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, is serving as Pastor of the Day
for the Texas Senate on April 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Installed as auxiliary bishop in 2002, Archbishop
Vásquez served the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston as the vicar
general/chancellor, overseeing administrative operations of the
archdiocese, which is the largest in the state and the 11th largest
in the country; he also held the roles of moderator of the curia,
secretariat director for administration, and episcopal vicar for
Hispanics; in 2010, he became the fifth bishop of the Diocese of
Austin, and after 15 years of dedicated service, he was installed as
the ninth archbishop of Galveston-Houston on March 25, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Archbishop Vásquez further contributes to his faith
community as a consultant to the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities and as lead
bishop for Region X for the Fifth National Encuentro of
Hispanic/Latino Ministry; moreover, he previously served the USCCB
in a number of roles, including as chair of the Committee on
Migration, as a member of the Administrative Committee and the
Committee for Religious Liberty, and as a member of the boards of
Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Legal Immigration
Network; and
WHEREAS, Born in Stamford, Archbishop Vásquez studied
theology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston and continued
his education in Rome at the Gregorian University, North American
College; he was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of San Angelo
in 1984 and went on to serve as associate pastor of St. Joseph
Parish in Odessa, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Fort Stockton, and
pastor of St. Joseph Parish in San Angelo; and
WHEREAS, Exemplifying the highest standards of his vocation,
Joe Vásquez has inspired countless Texans through his messages of
faith and goodwill, and it is a great privilege to welcome him to
the State Capitol; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature
hereby honor the Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez for his service as
Pastor of the Day and congratulate him on his installation as
archbishop of Galveston-Houston; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Archbishop Vásquez as an expression of high regard by
the Texas Senate.