Lenten Campaign 2025
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Catholic roots run deep in the Lone Star State, beginning in the Spanish colonial era when Franciscan missionaries first reached the area in 1528 and went on to build missions across Texas.
Following the Texas War of Independence in 1836, Catholics found themselves cut off from Church authorities in Mexico and appealed to Rome for assistance. Pope Gregory XVI designated Texas as an Apostolic Prefecture in 1839. At the time, there were five parishes for the entire state, serving 12,000 Catholics.
Soon settlers came to Texas from the United States, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland and all other parts of Europe. The Church grew so quickly that by 1847, Pope Pius IX created the Diocese of Galveston, which served all of Texas at the time.
Today, the seeds that those early Franciscan missionaries planted have grown like the proverbial mustard tree. Texas has one of the largest Catholic populations in the United States, counting over 8.5 million members.
Visit one of these sites for a pilgrimage with your family or friends, especially in this Jubilee Year. Or stop by if you’re in the area, and take time to wonder at the beauty and glory of these houses of God.
Note: Always check current visiting hours and Mass schedules before planning your trip, as times may vary seasonally.
1
The San Antonio Missions, San Antonio
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park Site comprises five historic missions built along the San Antonio River: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada, and the famous Alamo (originally Mission San Antonio de Valero).
Established between 1718 and 1731, these missions showcase Spanish colonial architecture and were vital centers for local conversion and cultural exchange. Mission San José, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” features extraordinary stone carvings and a fully restored church that still holds regular Masses.
Don’t miss the glorious Rose Window (said to have been carved as a monument to lasting love by a local man whose sweetheart was lost at sea) or the Mass with Mariachi Choir on Sundays at noon.
2
St. Mary Cathedral, Austin
The Mother Church of the Diocese of Austin, St. Mary Cathedral was completed in 1884 and is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Its 176-foot spire dominated Austin’s skyline for decades.
The cathedral’s stained glass windows, imported from Germany, depict biblical scenes with stunning artistry. As the seat of the bishop of Austin, St. Mary Cathedral continues to serve as a spiritual center for Central Texas Catholics.
3
San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio
Founded in 1731, San Fernando is the oldest continuously functioning religious community in Texas and one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States. The walls of the original 1700s church form the sanctuary of the cathedral today.
The church was named for Ferdinand III of Castile, who ruled in the 13th century. It houses the remains of heroes of the Alamo, including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie.
Today, the cathedral serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of San Antonio and is called “the heart of San Antonio.” It attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to admire its blend of Spanish colonial and Gothic architecture, including a luminous rose window and soaring twin bell towers.
4
National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dallas
The National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, also called the Catedral Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe or simply Cathedral Guadalupe, is not only an architectural marvel but also is the Catholic church with the second-largest membership in the United States, with an average Sunday attendance of 11,200.
In 1869, the Bishop of Galveston established the first Catholic parish in Dallas, Sacred Heart Church. The original church was completed in 1872. When Dallas was established as a diocese soon after, in 1890, Sacred Heart became the diocesan cathedral. The parish quickly outgrew its building, and work began on a new Sacred Heart Cathedral, dedicated in 1902. When Sacred Heart merged with nearby Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1975, its name changed.
The soaring Gothic cathedral underwent a major renovation project in the early 2000s, including adding a bell tower with a 49-bell carillon. The original architect had made plans for this tower but it was not completed until 2005.
5
The Painted Churches of Texas, Schulenburg area
The Painted Churches of Texas date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, when Czech and German immigrants came to Texas to start a new life. They built dozens of churches across Texas, primarily in Fayette and Lavaca counties. Appearing to be modest brick or wood structures on the outside, the church interiors burst with vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and gold leaf detailing that reflect Old World European traditions.
St. Mary’s Church in High Hill, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina, and St. John the Baptist Church in Ammannsville are among the most spectacular examples. These churches represent a rare fusion of European Catholic traditions with Texas frontier culture.
Bonus
Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham, Houston
Catholics with English roots know and love Our Lady of Walsingham, a shrine and place of pilgrimage associated with the Marian apparitions to Richeldis de Faverches, a pious English noblewoman, in 1061.
Houston just happens to be home to the headquarters of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, which serves Catholics of the Anglican tradition who entered into full communion with Rome while maintaining aspects of their liturgical heritage. Naturally, the Ordinariate chose Our Lady of Walsingham as patron saint of their cathedral.
This lesser-known gem is America’s first shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Walsingham, making it both historically significant and unusual among Texas Catholic sites. Its architecture reflects English Gothic style, with a replica of the Holy House of Walsingham on the grounds.
And today we celebrate...