[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO BISHOP RENE GRACIDA

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                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 1997

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a dear friend and a 
man who commands great respect in the greater south Texas area, Bishop 
Rene Gracida on the occasion of his silver jubilee of his episcopacy.
  Twenty-five years ago, on January 25, 1972, Bishop Gracida was 
consecrated a bishop by Cardinal John Dearden in St. Mary's Cathedral 
in Miami, FL. He came to the diocese of Corpus Christi in 1983, and 
since that time, he has ordained 65 men to the priesthood.
  During the celebration of his 25th anniversary, Bishop Gracida will 
ordain three more men to the priesthood for the diocese of Corpus 
Christi and three to the diaconate for the Society of Our Lady of the 
Most Holy Trinity.
  Bishop Gracida has been a powerful presence in Corpus Christi and the 
south Texas area. He is respected by many people in the community, 
including this Member.
  I wish him the very best on his anniversary and look forward to his 
service in the community for many years to come.

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