[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH OF WACO ON THEIR 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2007

  Mr. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, on June 24, 2007 the parishioners and 
community of Waco celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sacred Heart 
Catholic Church, a cornerstone of our Central Texas community.
  Like many Spanish Franciscan churches in this great nation, Sacred 
Heart Parish had a very humble beginning. In 1946, the priests of St. 
Francis Church established three catechetical centers: Hernandez at 
2306 Bagby Avenue, Gonzalez at 2224 James Street, and Rosas at 2313 
Bagby Avenue. On June 30, 1957, in what became known as a very moving 
ceremony, the Most Reverend Louis J. Reicher, Bishop of Austin 
dedicated the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
  Several outstanding and dedicated priests have demonstrated their 
devotion and commitment to the growth and development of the Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church over the past 50 years, including Father 
Francisco Dols, Father Miguel Rigo, Reverend Anthony Ferrer, Father 
Gonzalo Ferrer, and presently Father Lawrence Soler.
  Under the leadership of Father Lawrence Soler, the Sacred Heart 
Church has impacted the lives of many people. Father Soler, recognized 
for over 50 years in the priesthood, has a history of unselfish 
devotion to others, a legacy of personal achievement, as well as, an 
unwavering commitment to his faith.
  The profound words of Father Lawrence, spoken during the 25th 
anniversary of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, best describe the 
impressive past, as well as the bright future of the Sacred Heart 
Catholic Church: ``From a few scattered families it has grown into a 
closely knit community of faith, pooling its talents, coordinating its 
efforts for more effectiveness, so that God may be glorified and 
mankind served. Our greatest strength in the future will be, as it was 
in the past, our Faith, our Hope, and our Love.''
  With this compelling mission of faith and the spiritual message of 
serving others to guide them, the people of Sacred Heart Catholic 
Church of Waco have touched countless lives. On this 50th anniversary, 
I rise to honor the moral leadership, dedication to community, and 
generous spirit of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and extend my warmest 
wishes for continued blessings in the years ahead.

                          ____________________