Speech - December 12, 2007

Thank you, Bishop Aymond, for that kind introduction.

I would like to recognize my fellow statewide elected officials and thank you for being here. Your presence is a welcome sign of the importance you assign to the spiritual aspect of life.

[PAUSE]

It is an honor to be here today with so many people of faith. We may hail from different traditions, but I believe we can all agree on the essential importance of that connection to a higher power.

It is my relationship with God, first demonstrated to me by my parents in their daily life...
... fleshed out in sermons I heard in a little church in Paint Creek, Texas...
...and developed in years of both trials and blessings...
...that has given my life purpose.

My discovery of a god who not only created the universe but also made me has given me a sense of my own limitations and an appreciation for just how blessed I am.

In my life, I have sought to hear his still, small voice and have tried to integrate my faith into my daily life...
...as a husband...
...as a father...
...and as a public servant.

There are those who bristle at the notion of a public servant relying on faith in the conduct of his office. So they quickly and frequently accuse us of violating their cherished separation of church and state.

In their zeal, they have confused freedom of religion with freedom from religion. I prefer the former.

I would offer that faith is most important for those who would serve by leading.

I would much rather follow a leader with a God-given moral code than one whose decisions are dictated by the constantly shifting whims of a rudderless, secular society.

I prefer the company of those whose moral code compels them to put the needs of others ahead of their own...
...who understand that their resources are not truly their own...
...and whose regard for the gift of life compels them to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Our state’s faith tradition is a strong one, continued not only by holders of public office like those here today, but also by the millions of people who simply live out their faith by obeying the law...
...loving one another...
...and helping the less fortunate.

It might interest you to know that a long list of faith-based organizations play a role in our state’s planning for disaster recovery. They range from Catholic Charities to the Texas Baptist Men to the Tzu Chi (“Tzoo-chee”) Foundation.

When hurricanes, floods or fires afflict our state, these groups of faith-driven people simply step up and serve their neighbors, providing shelter, comfort and restoration.

Living out one’s faith in this manner...
...standing firm in one’s beliefs in the face of criticism...
...allowing love to guide us...
...these take courage and strength that do not reside in our flesh.

These things are a gift from God.

They are gifts that we don’t deserve, but they remind us of his graceful provision...
...his fearsome power...
...and his unyielding perseverance in loving us, despite our frequent failings.

And for them I am truly thankful.

[PAUSE]

As they walk through life, people of faith need dynamic leaders, men and women who can articulate the precepts of the divine...
...offer counsel in the midst of life’s trials...
...and rally the faithful to the aid of others.

Today, we are assembled to honor such a man.

In a state where we are known for doing things bigger, better and faster, we are honored to welcome the first Cardinal to ever reside in Texas.

Born in Steubenville, Ohio he was raised in the midst of steel mills and the hardworking people who toiled in them.

Since entering the seminary at age eighteen, Daniel DiNardo has spent his entire adult life in service to God.

He has been a teacher, a scholar and the shepherd of local churches.

He understands the unique culture of our state, having overseen the archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

And he is living proof that the Catholic faith is alive and well and thriving in Texas.

It is my honor and pleasure to introduce to you a man of faith, wisdom and courage.

He is a blessing to our state and an inspiration to us all.

Please join me in welcoming Texas’ first cardinal, his eminence, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo.