[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 186 (Thursday, November 9, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1081-E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING ST. PHILIP BENIZI CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SMILEY, TX 60TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL CLOUD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 9, 2023

  Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate St. Philip Benizi 
Catholic Church of Smiley, Texas, on its remarkable 60th anniversary 
this year. This incredible achievement stands as a powerful testament 
to the Congregation's unwavering commitment to the faith and the Lord's 
goodness to His people.
  The Church's story is one of God's timeliness, faithfulness, 
provision. It dates back to February 15, 1963, when Reverend Benton 
Thurmond wrote a letter to Archbishop Lucey requesting the need for the 
people to have a place to teach and freely practice their faith. It was 
decided that two Divine Providence Sister Catechists, working out of 
Gonzales, Texas, came to Smiley one full day a week to help Father 
Thurmond's jurisdiction.
  At the time, the plans for the St. Philip's Church were going through 
approval of construction plans and financing--and with any similar 
project comes financial challenges that often seem insurmountable. Yet, 
the Lord provided a donation through the Catholic Church Extension 
Society that summer, and by the Fall of 1963, all plans were approved 
for the new Church--beginning with a cornerstone donated by Robert 
Pessek of Hallettsville, Texas.
  In the years ahead, the Church became a rock in the community, 
serving as a place for neighbors to connect, gather, and worship. But 
more than anything, St. Philip's milestone is a true testament to God's 
grace toward his people. Today, Father Naveen Thumma continues St. 
Philip's longstanding tradition of faith and spirit in the parish, 
leading the congregation into an incredible 60th year of service.
  Philippians 4:19 says ``And my God will supply every need of yours 
according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.'' There is no better 
example St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church, sustained through God's 
goodness.
  On November 10 and 11, the Church will observe its 60th birthday with 
a celebration, and I want to congratulate them and extend them well 
wishes on behalf of Texas-27. May God continue to bless them and 
provide for them in the coming years ahead.

[[Page E1082]]

  Mr. Speaker, congratulations to St. Philip's Church on this memorable 
day. May God continue to bless the Church, their leaders, and the 
congregation in the present and future.

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