FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
2 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
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MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 3 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio †from the† ARCHBISHOP Invocation. Tricentennial of the The stones with which San Let us celebrate today, addres- foundation of the Mission of San Antonio has been built are sing the giver of everything Antonio de Valero. May 1st, 2018. living stones; they are souls and the owner of our destiny San Pedro Springs Park created by God who have with the words with which decided to live with the endu- the foundation began: In the n the year of the Lord one ring joy that is passed on, and name of God, Father, Son and thousand seven hundred and which characterizes our city Holy Spirit. We thank you Ieighteen, the first day of May, and our archdiocese. It was Lord, from whom everything this mission was moved, due apostolic zeal – to announce proceeds, for the strength of to the lack of water that it had the good news that the Son of the faith, the hope and the love at the Point of San José, to God became man, died on of those men who gave in to that of San Antonio de the cross and rose again to nothing, in order to establish Valero, by order of take us to God – which what would become our city the Honorable Mr. moved people like and our archdiocese. Thank Marquis of Valero, Friar Antonio de you for building San Antonio Viceroy of New San Buenaventura founded on the firm rock of Spain, under the y Olivares, Friar your Son and with the immor- care of the Reverend Antonio Margil de tal stones of so many faithful Father Friar Antonio Jesús and many others, souls, who have passed on to us de San Buenaventura to establish the Mission of an inheritance of which we are y Olivares. And Sergeant San Antonio and the rest of proud. Thank you for giving us Major Mr. Martín de Alarcón, them, under the protection and a solid, vibrant, happy and in- Governor of these Provinces with support from political clusive identity, which is joyful of the Kingdom of the New authorities. They were faithful for its present. We pray to you, Philippines, gave possession of to the missionary mandate Almighty God, to keep our said post to the people that is to bring the good news to all hope alive and to strengthen made up of the nations of the peoples. Later on, adobe or our compassionate love for one margin…” stone buildings were built for another, so that you will grant With these words, inscribed in the use of the missions. Some us a bright future, worthy of the Record of Sacraments of continue to function and the legacy we have received. the mission, the foundation of others have become ruins or Grant us, through the interces- San Antonio was documented, monuments, but the mission sion of Our Lady of Guada- exactly today three hundred is still alive! And the firm rock lupe, Saint Anthony of Padua years ago. In that book of upon which our community and all the saints, that we may records, which goes from 1703 life, our past and our future be a people faithful to the love to 1783, before and after this are founded, is the Word of of God. All this we ask of you inscription one can read the God, in whom we have placed through Jesus names of many men and wo- our trust. It is that Word that Christ our men, native of this region, who allows us not only to live to- Lord. Amen accepted the Catholic faith, gether, but to edify each other received Baptism and the other with an invincible hope, thanks — Archbishop sacraments, and finally passed to the diversity of gifts that we Gustavo away in communion with the have received and which we García-Siller, Church. share. MSpS
4 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio †from the† ARCHBISHOP
We are are proud proud to be part to beof San part Antonio’s of San history! Antonio’s It was thirty history! years ago, 1987,It was that thirty parishioners years ago, of 1987, Our Ladythat parishioners of Perpetual ofHelp Our (Selma) Lady of held Perpetual the first ACTSHelp (Selma)Retreats held in the the hope first of renewingACTS Retreats parish in community.the hope of renewin ACTS Missions,g parish thecommunity. Catholic lay ACTS-led Missions, non-profit the organization Catholic lay-led began non-profit ten years laterorgan izationto care beganfor the ten integrity years andlater fidelity to care of for the the retreat integrity and andevangelize fidelity within of the andretreat beyond and theevangelize Archdiocese within of andSan beyondAntonio. the Today,Archdiocese through of San the Antonio.grace of Ttheoday, Holy Spirit,through ACTS the grace Retr eatsof the are Holy held Spirit, in more ACTS than Retreats 560 parishes are held in in 6 more countries. than Our560 parishesgreatest inpresence 6 countries. is at Ourhome greatest with morepresence than is at95 home parishes with inmore our thanarchdiocese 95 parishes offering in our retreats! archdiocese We pray offering for the retreats! fortitude We and pray perseverance for the for- titudein offering and perseverance a personal encounter in offering with a personal Jesus Christ encounter to Cat withholics Jesus and Christ non- Catholicsto Catholics throughout and non-Catholics San Antonio throughout and abroad San for Antonio many years and abroato come.d for many years to come. God is Good! All the time! Amen! God is Good! All the time! Amen!
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 5 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio †del† ARZOBISPO Invocación. Tricentenario de la fun- Las piedras con las que ha recibido y que compartimos. dación de la Misión de San Antonio sido construido San Antonio Celebremos hoy, dirigiéndo- de Valero. 1º de mayo de 2018. San son piedras vivas; son almas nos al dador de todo y dueño Pedro Springs Park creadas por Dios que han de- de nuestro destino con las pa- cidido vivir con la alegría per- labras con las que inició la fun- n el año del Señor de mil durable que se contagia, y que dación: En el nombre de Dios, setecientos y diez y ocho, caracteriza a nuestra ciudad y Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo. Te Edía primero de mayo, se a nuestra arquidiócesis. Fue el damos gracias Señor, de quien mudó esta misión, por la celo apostólico por anunciar la todo procede, por la fuerza de inopia de agua que tenía en buena noticia de que el Hijo de la fe, la esperanza y el amor el Punto de San José, al de Dios se hizo hombre, murió de aquellos hombres que ante San Antonio de Valero, en la cruz y resucitó para nada se rindieron para fundar por orden del Exce- llevarnos a Dios, lo que lo que se convertiría en nuestra lentísimo Señor movió a personajes ciudad y nuestra arquidiócesis. Marqués de Va- como Fray Antonio Gracias por edificar San An- lero, Virrey de la de San Buenaven- tonio sobre la roca firme de tu Nueva España, tura y Olivares, Hijo y con las piedras inmor- al cuidado del Fray Antonio tales de tantas almas fieles, que R.P. Fray Antonio Margil de Jesús y mu- nos han legado una herencia de San Buenaventura chos otros, a establecer de la que nos sentimos or- y Olivares. Y dio el Sar- la misión de San Antonio y gullosos. Gracias por darnos gento Mayor Don Martín de las demás, bajo la protección y una identidad sólida, vibrante, Alarcón, Gobernador de estas con el apoyo de las autoridades alegre e incluyente, que goza de Provincias del Reino de las políticas. Ellos fueron fieles al su presente. Te rogamos, Dios Nuevas Filipinas, la posesión mandato misionero de llevar la todopoderoso, que mantengas de dicho puesto al pueblo que buena nueva a todos los pue- viva nuestra esperanza y que se compone de las naciones del blos. Después se construyeron fortalezcas nuestro amor com- margen…” edificios de adobe o de piedra pasivo de unos por otros, para Con estas palabras, inscritas para el uso de las misiones. que nos concedas un futuro en el registro de sacramentos Algunos siguen funcionando brillante, digno del legado que de la misión, se hizo constar y otros se han convertido en hemos recibido. Concédenos, la fundación de San Antonio, ruinas o en monumentos, por intercesión de Santa María exactamente hoy hace tres- ¡pero la misión sigue viva! Y de Guadalupe, de San Antonio cientos años. En ese libro de la roca firme sobre la que está de Padua y de todos los santos, registro, que va de 1703 hasta basada nuestra convivencia so- que seamos un pueblo fiel al 1783, pueden leerse, antes y cial, nuestro pasado y nuestro amor de Dios. Todo esto te lo después de esta inscripción, los futuro, es la Palabra de Dios, pedimos por Jesucristo nuestro nombres de muchos hombres en quien tenemos deposita- Señor. Amén. y mujeres, originarios de esta da nuestra confianza. Es esa región que aceptaron le fe ca- Palabra quien nos permite no — Arzobispo tólica, recibieron el bautismo y sólo convivir, sino edificarnos Gustavo los demás sacramentos, y final- mutuamente con una espe- García-siller, mente murieron en comunión ranza invencible, gracias a la MSpS con la Iglesia. diversidad de dones que hemos
6 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio †del† ARZOBISPO
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 7 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
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MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 9 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio 32 years of generosity Annual ARCHBISHOP’S APPEAL Est. 1986 Happy 300th Birthday San Antonio!
Archbishop Gustavo offers his appreciation and gratitude to the people of the archdiocese. Your participation and generosity to the Annual Archbishop’s Appeal contributes to our ever-growing Catholic Church. Our faith has been embedded in the city of San Antonio since its founding. The Annual Appeal, established in 1986 by Archbishop Patrick Flores, remains rooted in the Gospel message and helps us put our faith into action by funding a variety of ministries. Thank you for being part of our family in faith.
Proclaiming the Word of God Celebrating the SacramentS Responding with Charity ARCHBISHOP PATRICIO FERNÁNDEZ FLORES, 1979- 2004 ARHBISHOP GUSTAVO GARCÍA-SILLER, MSPS, 2010 TO PRESENT
40 MINISTRIES | 19 COUNTIES | 170 PARISHES & MISSIONS | 800,000 CATHOLICS |1 FAMILY IN FAITH
Bishop Patrick J. Zurek and the Diocese of Amarillo congratulate the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the city of San Antonio on its Tricentennial. Ad Multos Años.
10 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio ’ Today s Catholic The Archdiocese of San Antonio celebrates Established 1892 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F 2718 W. Woodlawn Ave. San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 734-1690 Fax: (210) 734-2939 E-mail: [email protected] satodayscatholic.org Facebook: Today’s Catholic Twitter: satodaycatholic Instagram: instagram.com/ todayscatholicnewspaper Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ tcatholic
Publisher Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS Director of Communications • Table of Contents • Jordan B. McMorrough ➢ Archive Treasures on display in Witte exhibit 12-13 Staff Writer Carol Baass Sowa from the archives...Glory days return to San José 15-17
Advertising/ from the archives...Cloudy day thwarts Mission Espada illumination 18 Editorial Assistant from the archives...Mission Concepción: solar illumination marks the Assumption 19 Joann Hopkins ➢ The legacy of Msgr. Bathasar “Balty” Janacek 19 Art Director/Webmaster Claire Meixner from the archives...Solemn ceremonies mark reburial at Mission San Juan Capistrano 20
Graphic Designer/Social Media from the archives...San Antonio's Missions nominated World Heritage site 20-21 Veronica Markland ➢ Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower 23-24 Circulation from the archives...St. Anthony statue installed in new place of honor 26 Rebecca Garcia ➢ Cathedral of San Fernando 27 Today’s Catholic is published bi-weekly on Friday. Annual subscription is $15 per from the archives...One hundred years of spirit: Parish celebrates milestone 30-31 year; $56 out-of-state and $68 outside of the United States. ➢ Diocese of San Antonio established in 1874 31 Advertising closing date: Wednesday, 5 p.m., 15 days before publishing date. from the archives...Artwork leads to searchs, strengthens Catholic-Jewish ties 37 Today’s Catholic cannot be held liable, from the archives...Fernando Herrera and JFK 38 or in any way responsible, for the content of any advertisement appearing from the archives...SANYO reunion recalls past victories 39-40 within these pages. All claims, offer guarantees, statements, etc., made by from the archives...Folklife Mass product of Texas Folklife Festival 43 Today’s Catholic advertisers are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. from the archives...Walesa challenges America to offer the world moral leadership 44 Deceptive or misleading advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints from the archives...After two decades, papal visit seems just like yesterday 46-47 regarding advertising should be made directly to the advertiser or to the Better from the archives...Coming home: Casa de Padres celebrates 25 years 47 Business Bureau. USPS ISSN 0745-3612 Periodicals postage paid at San Antonio, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send changes to: Today’s Catholic 2718 W. Woodlawn Ave. San Antonio, TX 78228
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 11 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
Archive reasures onT display in Witte exhibit
By Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic
“San Antonio’s whole history is intertwined with the church,” notes Brother Edward Loch, SM, reference archivist for the Archdiocese of San Antonio. “You can’t get away from it.” Visitors to the Witte Museum’s current exhibition, Confluence and Culture: 300 Years of San Antonio History, will see a sample of this for themselves in a rare display of some archdiocesan treasures related to San Antonio’s founding 300 years ago. The exhibition runs through Jan. 6. “The Archives and Records Office is pleased to have been Archdiocese of San Antonio Archives part of lending three historical items to the Witte Museum for far to the south, and the distant East Texas missions. their tricentennial exhibit,” notes The leather-bound book, brought here by Friar Elvira Sanchez Kisser, director of Antonio de San Buenaventura y Olivares, holds archives and records management for the hand-written records of baptisms, marriages the archdiocese. The loan includes two and deaths of local indigenous persons from 1703 very old and very significant books and a to 1825. It is actually composed of several smaller chalice. books, as was the custom, glued together with horse The first book takes the name of its title hoof glue, the “super glue” of its day. Recorded plate, identifying it as the 1703 baptismal within its pages are the move in 1718 to what would book of Mission San Francisco Solano, be San Antonio and the blessing of the cornerstone originally established near the Rio Grande of the final mission church in 1744. but, after several moves, re-located Brother Loch adds that the original site of Mission near San Pedro Creek as Mission San San Antonio de Valero is still under debate, with Antonio de Valero, later known as three possibilities being: near the little Chapel the Alamo. The area had ample of Miracles on the IH-10 access road west of water, with springs spouting downtown, on the grounds of San Francisco de up to 80 feet high, relates Paolo Church to the east of that, or in the area where Brother Loch, and was the San Fernando Cathedral’s community center is now perfect location for a way station located. Due to flooding, he relates, the mission between the Spanish government, was later moved near the site of St. Joseph Church
12 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
downtown, where a hurricane reduced its adobe walls to mud, forcing a final move to the present location. The second book on loan to the Witte is the San Fernando de Bejar Entierro, the death register containing San Fernando Cathedral burial records from 1817 to 1860 at the Campo Santo, located in the area that is now Milam Park and the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. Names inscribed in it include the Canary Islanders who settled San Antonio in 1731, making the book a significant source of information. They would Veronica Markland | Today’s Catholic have been baptized in Spain Leslie Ochoa of the Witte Museum; Brother Ed Loch, SM, and Elvira and married in various places, Sanchez Kisser of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Archives. Sanchez Kisser, points out, but by 1817, many of their death records would have begun to brought the chalice to the from damage by light. A glass be recorded in this book. “It archives in 1974. In recent years it wall facing the atrium will allow connects us to these Canary occupied a place of honor on the special items and collections to be Islanders,” she says. The book also topmost shelf of a locked, glass displayed, even when the archives contains burial records from the bookcase in the main room of the are closed. Battle of the Alamo, when only archives at the Pastoral Center on They hope to open up exhibits Spanish soldiers, the victors, were Woodlawn. for Catholic school tours. “Get permitted burial there. While the Witte exhibition them interested in the history of Also lent to the museum is an extends through Jan. 6, the three the archdiocese and the history 18-inches high silver chalice from archdiocesan treasures will briefly of the Catholic Church here,” says the 1700s, discovered at Mission return to the Pastoral Center Sanchez Kisser, “and hopefully Concepción by the Brothers of in September for the three-day kind of spur, early on, some Mary (Marianists) who resided grand opening of what will be the research.” there from 1859 to 1911. They newly expanded and remodeled “It’s pretty exciting having had been invited by Bishop John archdiocesan archives. It will have the items in the exhibit,” she Odin to open a school and were a state-of-the-art fire suppression adds, and bringing them back to given the mission and acreage system, climate control, rolling the new archives will be just as surrounding it in exchange for shelves, extensive storage space, exciting. this, with the brothers farming a dedicated research area and The Confluence and Culture the land to provide food for separate processing area. exhibition runs through Jan. the students at their downtown There will also be special 6 at the Witte Museum, 3801 school. archival display cabinets for the Broadway. There is a $5 surcharge Brother Loch, himself a returning books’ future which in addition to museum admission Marianist, recalls Msgr. Balthasar will be climate-controlled and price. For more information, visit “Balty” Janacek, longtime director specially grooved to keep out www.wittemuseum.org or call of the Old Spanish Missions, dust, with UV coating to protect (210) 357-1900. •
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 13 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
Assumption Seminary of San Antonio, Texas rejoices, during the Tricentennial of the City of San Antonio (1718-2018), on the priestly ordination of the Class of 2018.
Archdiocese of diocese of sAn Angelo sAn Antonio Deacon Reggie Odima Deacon Michael English Deacon Freddy Perez Deacon Frank Garcia diocese of lAredo Deacon Johnson Le Deacon Juan Mercado Deacon Wanjiru Ndung’u Deacon Pedro Mercado Deacon Roberto Rosales Deacon Sean Stilson, B.B.D. diocese of el PAso Deacon Victorino Loresca “Then I will go to the Altar of God, to God, my joy and delight” Psalm 43, 4
Congregation of Divine Providence The Sisters of Divine Providence
PART OF THE FABRIC OF SAN ANTONIO’S LIFE FOR OVER 150 YEARS Our mission remains the same: to imitate the mission of Jesus to be the incarnation of God’s love in the world. Throughout our history, we have embraced all that San Antonio is and can be.
First Woman Established Opened President of Providence First Mother Two-Year College, Founded Our Lady Home for House in Our Lady Stella Maris of the Lake Children with Castroville of the Lake Clinic University AIDS Moved to First Co-Vicar San Antonio First Female for Religious in Erected Served the Organizer Archdiocese of Our First Buildings on Marginalized for COPS: San Antonio and Archdiocese of Sisters 16 Acres of at Madonna Communities First Woman in San Antonio Arrived in Land in 10 Neighborhood Organized for this Position in First Woman Texas Years Center Public Service the Country Chancellor
-1866- -1868- -1895- -1911- -1939- -1945- -1973- -1979- -1982- -1990- -2015-
Sisters of Divine Providence, furthering the mission of Jesus since 1866 [email protected] • www.cdptexas.org • (210) 434-1866
14 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
of the Church EARLY DAYS in Texas (1521-1794)
1521 Spanish conquest of the Aztecs, 1521, led by Hernán Cortés.
1528 Cabeza de Vaca and survivors of shipwreck at Galveston traverse Texas, possibly near San Antonio. The first Spaniard in the future archdiocese, he teaches the indigenous about Christ.
1531 Our Lady of Guadalupe appears in Mexico.
1629 Jumanos tell of “The Lady in Blue,” Sor María de Jesús de Ágreda. This sparks interest in Texas.
1685 Spanish government hears of French encroachment. Expeditions set out immediately for Texas.
from the archives... Glory days return to San José
By Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic | Excerpt from Sept. 23, 2011 ne hundred years ago, visitors stepping inside Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo would have been standing in Ounderbrush and the rubble from the old mission’s collapsed roof and north wall. The towering stone facade surrounding the doorway through which they passed would have held partially destroyed statues and carvings — another reminder of how badly the old church had fared since the abandonment of the missions at the end of the 1700s. It was a far cry from San José’s glory days as a thriving center of faith and life in Spanish Colonial Texas. SEE PAGE 16➢
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 15 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
continued from ➢Page 15 gathered inside for a special talk from the Marqués de San Miguel and tour presented by Father de Aguayo by promising to add Fast forward to August 2011, David Garcia, director of the his name to that of St. Joseph, to with the mission’s interior walls Old Spanish Missions; mission whom the new mission was to painted in their original colors restoration architect Carolyn be dedicated and whose statue and rising tall and proud up to Peterson of Ford, Powell and Father Margil already had in San José’s domed ceiling, a gilt- Carson; and Tom Castanos of the his possession. Today it graces trimmed retablo soaring above National Park Service. the lower right niche of the new the altar, and the intricately Father Garcia related that retablo. carved stone façade shining like the actual building of the After the missions were shut new in the hot Texas sun, and church, founded in 1720 by down by Spain, they fell into it was evident the stately old Franciscan missionary Father disrepair, but San José, as Father “Queen of the Missions” had Antonio Margil de Jesus, did not Garcia put it, was “so big and reclaimed her past glory, with commence until around 1768, so beautiful” that it was kept more to come. after Native Americans had been going by different orders over the On Aug. 20, 2011, the day gathered in and money raised for years, which is why its convento followings San José’s construction. sports both rounded German reopening and San Jose almost did not come arches and pointed Gothic ones. rededication, members about at all, as Father Antonio By the early 1900s, however, of the San Antonio Olivares was adamant that San San José’s roof, dome, one wall Professional Tour Antonio did not need more and part of another, part of the Guide missions, already bell tower and the stair tower Association having Mission San had collapsed, leading the city, Antonio de Valero, state, San Antonio Conservation today known as the Society and Archdiocese of San Alamo. Father Margil Antonio to come together to persisted though, save the deteriorating mission and as a result we Father Margil had set out to make have Mission the most beautiful in all New San José, as well Spain. In the depths of the Great as missions Depression, work began on what Concepción, would be the mission’s first major San Juan restoration, ensuring its survival Capistrano into the future. and San In introducing Tom Castanos Francisco de of the National Park Service, la Espada. Father Garcia explained the He coaxed federal park system here is unique funding in that the four missions function
1690 The Alonzo de 1691 June 13, Domingo Terán de los Ríos Leon expedition with expedition with Father Massanet reaches Father Damián Massanet headwaters of San Antonio River. Massanet enters Texas, leading to names area San Antonio de Padua. Gov. establishment of East Texas Terán is said to have given river the same missions, which fail in a few name. First recorded San Antonio Mass held 16 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 years. the next day, the Feast of Corpus Christi. FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
as Catholic parish churches within a national park. Church property ends with the church walls, he noted, so the federal government spends no money on upkeep of the mission church. Castanos, who has an archaeological background, reported on a discovery that had occurred during the present restoration. In digging up the flagstone floor at the rear of the church to lay new electrical and gas lines, an intact skull and scattered bone fragments were found. The Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio, monitoring the excavation, determined the skull to have been that of an adult, but it was not possible to date it and no records of burials under the church floors exist. Father Garcia surmised, based on church procedure in missionary times, it would likely have been either a priest or a Native American leader. The remains were photographed in situ, measured and catalogued, before being solemnly re-interred where discovered, with a blessing given by Father José Antonio Posadas, OFM, pastor of San José. the façade, an amazing feat in that extends upwards to Our The façade’s decorative carvings itself. The façade depicts Mary’s Lady of Guadalupe and St. Joseph (some having five layers of depth) family tree, with St. Anne holding with the Infant Jesus, flanked by were originally chiseled out of the child Mary, and St. Joachim Franciscan saints, St. Dominic large stone blocks, hoisted into at the base of elaborate vegetation and St. Francis of Assisi. •
1716 Efforts to re-establish the missions 1718 Mission San Francisco Solano moves 1719 French attack are inspired by Father Francisco Hidalgo. from Eagle Pass to what becomes San causes East Texas Capt. Domingo Ramón's expedition, Antonio. It is renamed and founded on mission residents with Father Felix de Espinosa, camps at May 1 as Mission San Antonio de Valero to flee to San San Pedro springs. They realize it would by Father Antonio de San Buenaventura Antonio. One is be a good way station between the East Olivares, under Martin Alarcón, first Father Antonio Texas missions and Coahuila. governor of Coahuila and Texas. MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’SMargil CATHOLIC de Jesus. 17 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic from the archives... Cloudy day thwarts Mission Espada illumination BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | TODAY’S CATHOLIC | EXCERPT FROM Nov. 2, 2012 n the still dark, pre-dawn hours glow. George Dawson, a docent unobscured sunlight at dawn of Oct.4, 2012, cars slowly began for the National Park Service, and Dawson had only seen the Ipulling into the silent parking prefaced the sunrise event occurrence once — a glowing lot at Mission San Francisco de with an explanation of these orange shape that gradually la Espada. A full moon hovered phenomena and Mission Espada’s enlarges, turns bright white and almost directly above the façade in particular. slides down the wall to spotlight of the old stone church — a The sun, he noted, was St. Francis. hopeful omen of the expected tremendously important to the As a dishearteningly gray solar illumination to come on this Native Americans encountered and cloudy morning broke feast of St. Francis of Assisi, for by the Franciscan missionaries. over Mission Espada, it became whom the mission church was To ease their transition into obvious that the awaited solar named and whose Franciscan Catholicism, the friars began illumination would not take order continues to serve there. to use the sun as a celestial place that day. The Mass which “We were hoping and praying metaphor for Christ. By the time followed was prefaced by a for an illumination this morning,” of their arrival here in 1731, the reading of the Canticle of Francis said Father David Garcia, director sun, Dawson explained, had by Father Garcia, who reflected of the Old Spanish Missions, become a very powerful part of on its message that we are to take to those gathered in the church Catholic worship and symbolism. care of all of God’s creation and pews. “So keep praying, because As a result, some churches were reiterated the solar illuminations’ we don’t know if the clouds will built to “capture” the sun on days purpose of helping us to better part and allow us to see it.” of religious, seasonal and solar understand God. Though The “it” in question was a significance. darkness appears to be winning beam of sunlight that at dawn Locally, such illuminations as Christ dies on the cross, the would enter through the small were built into missions Espada darkness of night is eliminated as barred window over the front and Concepción. At Espada, the sun rises — the Resurrection. door and come to rest on the San Antonio’s low-lying clouds “So now the light illumines all statue of St. Francis above the and the mists rising off the San of us, “he explained, “gives us new altar, bathing it in a spectacular Antonio River often hamper hope, gives us life.” •
18 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
The legacy of Msgr. Bathasar “Balty” Janacek
BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | TODAY’S CATHOLIC | EXCERPT FROM March 8, 2013
or 45 years, Msgr. Balthasar "Balty" FJanacek served as director of the Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic Old Spanish from the archives... Missions. His successor, Mission Concepción: Father David solar illumination marks the Assumption Garcia, noted, Janacek “Father Balty had BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | TODAY’S CATHOLIC | Excerpt From Sept. 7, 2012 a vision for these missions that was different from other peoples’.” t was evident that something who discovered this solar While the community looked special was about to take illumination while a docent on them as money-makers and a Iplace at Mission Concepción for San Antonio Missions tourist draw, Msgr. Janacek saw the evening of Aug. 14, 2012, National Historical Park. them as alive, said Father Garcia. Vigil of the Feast of the “You are standing in the "Today the mission churches are Assumption of Mary. Long original walls and spaces,” he doing the same things they did before the presentation, the told those present. “The sun, almost 300 years ago, with people venerable mission’s pews at this moment in 1755, was gathering there to worship, began to fill with those exactly in the same point in to pray, to be inspired and for eager to witness and learn the sky as it is at this moment moments of quiet reflection. about Concepción’s solar in time. What they saw in He literally made sure the illuminations — centuries- 1755, we are seeing today.” missions did not fall down, old phenomena linking those As to why the gathering Father Garcia continued. “He saw attending with their faith and for the solar event was taking these missions as part of the soul with those who constructed place on Aug. 14 and not the of San Antonio and he wanted the mission’s stone church 257 15th, Dawson noted the sun that to be his legacy.” • years before. does not recognize Leap Years There to explain it all was or Daylight Saving Time. So in George Dawson, the man "sun time" it was Aug. 15. •
Purísima Concepción de Acuña, San 1720 Father Antonio Margil Juan Capistrano and San Francisco de la founds Mission San José y Espada March 5. San Miguel de Aguayo. 1731 Canary Islanders arrive March 9, 1731 East Texas missions settle by the presidio, elect officials for San refounded in San Antonio Fernando de Bexar and erect a church as Nuestra Señora de la which becomes San Fernando Cathedral. 1794 Missions' initial secularization begins. MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 19 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
from the archives... New page in history: San Antonio's Missions nominated UNESCO World Heritage site Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | TODAY’S CATHOLIC | EXCERPT FROM from the archives... June 29, 2012
Solemn ceremonies mark fter San Antonio’s Spanish missions were secularized, beginning in 1794, it appeared their reburial at Mission San Aglory days had passed, as the old stone buildings gradually fell into disuse and disrepair. Juan Capistrano The late architect O’Neil Ford noted that on his BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | TODAY’S CATHOLIC | arrival in San Antonio in 1924, he was taken to see EXCERPT FROM March 8, 2013 the “mission ruins” and found that to be an apt name for missions San Francisco de la Espada, San Juan nder a bright blue Texas sky, the remains Capistrano and San José y San Miguel de Aguayo. The of 15 individuals buried at Mission San mission church of San Antonio de Valero had been UJuan Capistrano and discovered during the lovingly preserved as the Alamo, a shrine to the battle recent foundation work there, were reverently for Texas independence, and only Mission Nuestra laid once again to rest on the morning of Señora de la Purisma Concepción de Acuña remained February 23, 2013. Believed to be Native relatively untouched by time, though vandals had Americans from the Spanish colonial period, carved names and initials as high as they could reach their solemn reburial included both a Catholic on its aging walls. “It was assumed they would soon Mass and Native American burial rituals. disappear,” he wrote in a later report on emergency The remains were found buried alongside repairs and stabilization of the missions, “or become the church walls on either side of the front stone quarries for well linings and other structures.” door during renovation work at the mission. In the last century, various efforts at restoration Earlier that week, the remains were turned and preservation managed to sustain the missions’ over to representatives of the Tap Pilam aging structures in a world which no longer revolved Coahuiltecan Nation, who maintained a 24- around them, but in 2012 all that was about to hour vigil with them at San Juan. The night change. Recent restoration work at the mission before burial, they were transferred to the churches by the Archdiocese of San Antonio and smaller of two tepees erected in the center the expansion and development of the mission of the mission compound and an all-night grounds and outbuildings under the National Park ceremony was conducted in the larger by the Service, were precursors to the announcement by U.S. Native American Church of North America. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar that the United After Mass the next morning, a procession States would be nominating San Antonio’s Franciscan accompanied by the solemn beating of a drum Missions for consideration as a UNESCO World led to the burial site, adjacent to the mission's Heritage Site, thrusting them once again into a place original but never completed church. • of world prominence.
20 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar officially announces that San Antonio's Franciscan Missions will be nominated for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While Salazar’s official announcement came at a press conference June 1, 2012, at Mission Concepción, the first to hear the good news were attendees at the US/ICOMOS 15th Annual International Scientific Symposium dinner on the grounds of Mission San José on May 31. ICOMOS (International Council on Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic Monuments and Sites) advises to San Antonio as Secretary of history of the land grants or the the United Nations Educational, the Interior, Salazar recalled colonial missions of San Antonio,” Scientific and Cultural attending a Mass celebrated he said of his public school days, Organization (UNESCO) on the by Father Garcia at one of the “so all that part of my history, conservation of world heritage missions on his visit here for the which goes back 12 generations sites. San Antonio River restoration here in what is now the United A blessing was given by Father project ribbon-cutting. At the States, was a history that I did not David Garcia, director of the time he had personally believed learn.” For this reason Salazar was Old Spanish Missions, whose the missions should be a World passionate about making sure the Las Misiones campaign raised Heritage Site, but now he would history of all of America’s peoples $15.5 million to restore the four be speaking under the authority was told mission churches belonging to the vested in him as Secretary of With 54 million people of Archdiocese of San Antonio — the Interior. “Tonight,” he said, Latino descent, out of the U.S. Concepción, San José, San Juan “I’m here to announce that I population of 307 million, the and San Francisco de la Espada. have approved that nomination!” future of our nation depends Referring to the missions, he When the jubilant standing on us celebrating diversity, said, “We understand that to ovation which followed died he explained. “The cause of touch them is to have a privilege; down, he noted that being named humanity, the cause of greater to hand them on is a serious a World Heritage Site says, “This freedom, the cause of all of us obligation.” is one of the most special places realizing our own potential,” he Secretary of the Interior Ken in the entire world.” said, “is making sure that we have Salazar, introduced by Judge His closing remarks focused respect for everyone’s history and Nelson Wolff, observed that in on Latino heritage, which he everyone’s heritage.” He likened celebrating San Antonio’s heritage pointed out binds not only the the formal nomination of the we celebrate the world heritage Western Hemisphere, but also our missions to the words of Father that globally binds us together in relationship with Spain, Portugal Garcia at Mass: “We are one one humanity. and Europe in many ways. “No humanity, we are one world, and Noting it was his third trip one ever taught me about the we are one people.” •
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 21 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE LITTLE FLOWER Under the direction of the Discalced Carmelite Friars Sharing the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and the Carmelite saints in San Antonio since 1926
THE REDEMPTORISTS OF SAN ANTONIO express our best wishes and congratulations to the Archdiocese of San Antonio on their 300 years of loving service to the people of God in San Antonio
A Redemptorist Legacy of Love
St. Gerard Parish Ministry For Better and Forever Marriage Preparation 107 years preaching Seminary Formation ‘Plentiful Redemption’ of future to the people in Redemptorist Priests San Antonio and Brothers ST. Gerard Catholic church North American theology residence
22 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
the Dark Night of the Church (1794-1847)
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower
By Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic 1796 San Fernando rebuilt for third he beautiful Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower time after Indian raids partially can trace its beginnings to the terrible days of the Mexican demolished it. TRevolution and the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Torreon, Mexico. The battle for Torreon, one of the bloodiest of 1805 Bishop Martin de Porras of the revolution, began on Passion Sunday in 1914 and resulted Monterey makes final visit. Position in the Discalced Carmelite priests at the church bargaining vacant for most of the next 20 years. for their lives with Pancho Villa. American press coverage was instrumental in changing execution to exile and they were placed 1810 Mexico gains independence on a cattle train bound for El Paso. from Spain, disrupting ecclesiastical Eventually they found refuge in Oklahoma, where they administration. expanded their work, and in 1923 were invited by Archbishop Arthur J. Drossaerts to come to the Archdiocese of San Antonio. 1824 Father Juan Peña appointed rural dean of Texas. Missions' final SEE PAGE 24➢ secularization takes place.
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1828 San Fernando 1832 San Fernando Church is rebuilt. Church burns down. 1836 Flag of no quarter flies at San Fernando. Alamo falls to Santa Anna and Mexico. 1830 Only two Franciscan - Following victory at San Jacinto, Texas gains missionaries remain independence from Mexico, and becomes in Texas. One is in Republic of Texas, which confiscates the missions. San Antonio. Church administration is disrupted.
continued from ➢Page 23
Given a new parish on the West Built by contributions from Chapel to the left of the altar, with Side in 1926, they named it for across the United States and its hand-carved likeness of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel and completed in 1931, the awe- saint in death repose, encased in St. Thérèse, a Carmelite nun in inspiring National Shrine of gilt-trimmed glass. Fragments of Lisieux, France, canonized the the Little Flower features three the saint’s bones are contained previous year. golden domes, two capping in the ring she wears and her Their desire to build a national massive towers. The larger 116- crucifix. The latter also holds shrine in her honor was blessed foot tower contains six bronze cloth from her habit. Similarly by the sisters of her convent bells from Germany, dubbed crafted roses adorn the former (including her blood sister, The Little Flower of Jesus, Christ baptistery gates, and more roses Pauline) in 1927, with the gift the King, Our Lady of Mount dot the dome’s circular leaded of a 7 by 10-foot portrait of Carmel, St. Joseph, St. Teresa of glass window. St. Thérèse, one of several lent Avila and St. John of the Cross. In 1998, the shrine was elevated to Carmels in France for the A 7 1/2-foot bronze statue of St. to the status of minor basilica canonization events. Painted Thérèse, weighing more than a by Pope John Paul II and, in by artist Pascal Blanchard from thousand pounds, stands atop the 1999, 80,000 faithful lined the an original by another blood smaller tower. surrounding streets to venerate sister of St. Thérèse, Celine (also Roses, in honor of St. Thérèse, the remains of St. Thérèse, carried a Carmelite), the saint’s face figure prominently in the interior in a gold and jacaranda wood was then retouched by Celine architectural elements. They trim reliquary, in their world-wide and Sister Marie of the Holy the magnificently carved white journey to honor her title as Spirit. One of these paintings Carrara marble altar (designed Patroness of Missionaries, though was carried in the canonization by Louis Rodriguez and carved in a cloistered nun. procession. Italy) and raised pulpit, both inset The basilica’s undercroft, whose with mosaic panels. Rising above auditorium stage was graced in the altar is a stunning concept of early years by Helen Keller and a scene in heaven, hand-carved the Trapp Family Singers (on in Spain. Dominated by Christ’s whom The Sound of Music was cross, it depicts the Blessed based), was remodeled in the past Mother handing down an armful decade into a conference center, of roses to St. Thérèse, who with an adoration chapel installed scatters them to the world below, beneath the Tomb Chapel. Its all surrounded by a profusion of stained glass windows were the angels and billowing clouds. work of artist Rodney Winfield of Hundreds of wrought iron the Emil Frei Company, who as a roses are worked into the young man designed the basilica immense grill fronting the Tomb windows. •
24 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
The Benedictine Sisters of Boerne Founded in Cuba in 1911 We join the Archdiocese in celebrating SA300 and the Catholic Church’s Methods of spreading presence in San Antonio during the past 300 years! the good news change... the Gospel doesn’t. We arrived in South Texas in 1919 and have served faithfully in the Diocese/Archdiocese of San Antonio in the areas of: • Education • Pastoral Care • Health Care • Peace & Justice • Hospitality • Spirituality www.boernebenedictines.org
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 25 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
1838 Plight of Church in Texas ownership of missions, but not Father Odin vice prefect. Father Odin goes to San brought to attention of Pope all lands are returned. Antonio to revive the church in Texas and finds Gregory XVI. San Fernando in disrepair, Mission San Antonio - Fr. John Timon, CM, appointed 1840 Sacred Congregation for de Valero unrepaired since the fall of Alamo and to survey state of church in Texas. the Propagation of the Faith missions San Juan Capistrano and San Francisco He and Father John Mary Odin, makes Texas a prefecture de la Espada in ruins. Missions San José and CM, begin work to get Texas apostolic with Father Timon Concepción still stand, but house livestock. legislature to validate church as vice prefect. He appoints from the archives... St. Anthony statue installed in new place of honor By Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic | EXCERPT FROM JULY 3, 2009
n Italian marble statue of St. of former Grand Commander “into storage.” Remembering Anthony of Padua, designed Roland DeWinne and Supreme how Lady Justice had been “lost” by Louis Rodriguez, was Advocate Jack Sims, set about the for decades that way, the two Sir Apresented by the Order of the task of attending innumerable Nobles strongly resisted. Alhambra's Bejar Caravan No. 56 meetings with city staff, the Finally, a location in front of to the city in 1955 and formerly Historical Review Board and the cathedral gift shop, facing stood in front of the Bexar other parties involved to reach a Main Plaza, was agreed upon, County Courthouse, facing Main decision on relocating the statue, with Alhambra member Harold Plaza. Here, Alhambra members which at first languished behind a Kuntz volunteering to lay the annually participated in a wreath- protective chain link fence on the statue’s foundation and Lupe laying ceremony for the Feast of courthouse grounds and was later Rodriguez, nephew of the statue’s St. Anthony, followed by Mass stored in a municipal garage. designer, doing minor restoration and a social gathering. DeWinne and Sims work on it. The father of Harold Recent construction, however, rejected proposals to and his brother John (also a and restoration of the 19th move the statue to member) had been Vice Grand century statue of Lady Justice less visible nearby Commander in 1955 when the to her former place of honor locations on the statue was originally donated. on the courthouse grounds San Fernando The statue’s installation at its shuffled the St. Anthony Portal (between new place of honor was blessed statue into temporary street level and by Bishop Oscar Cantú, assisted storage, a fact to which the Riverwalk) by Sir Noble Msgr. Laurence the caravan was alerted by or Trevino Alley Stuebben during the traditional member Dr. Félix Almaráz, (between the wreath-laying ceremonies on June a history professor at cathedral and 11, 2009. Proclamations by city, UTSA. In 2008, with the city hall annex). county and state commemorating statue inaccessible, the At one point, it the occasion were read at that Alhambras’ traditional was suggested the time by Grand Commander ceremony had to be statue go Alex Camacho and Vice Grand held at St. Anthony Commander Rene Valero. Roland de Padua Church DeWinne quipped, “It took a year instead. for St. Anthony to cross Dolorosa A “committee” Street, but he made it safely!” •
26 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
1841 Father Odin is appointed coadjutor of 1844 Henri Castro brings 1847 Rome raises Texas to be Detroit, but Father Timon advises he decline and Alsatian colonists to Texas. They the Diocese of Galveston, with stay with Texas. Shortly after, the Holy See raises are followed by other European Father Odin its first bishop. Texas to vicariate apostolic and gives Father colonists to San Antonio area. Odin authority of a bishop there. - Various religious orders come to Texas. Father 1845 Texas joins the United Odin travels to the East Coast and Europe, States. War in Mexico causes pleading for priests who answer the call. turmoil.
Church Foundations in Texas (1847-1874)
1852 Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Brothers of Mary, Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, and Ursuline Sisters arrive on La Belle Assise at Galveston. John Neraz (later bishop) is in seminarian group aboard. Additional Franciscans join Conventual Franciscans already in San Antonio. - French future bishop Father Claude Marie Dubuis becomes pastor at San Fernando and from the archives... vicar general of San Antonio Cathedral of San Fernando area. ating back to 1738, San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest parish 1854 Father Leopold church in Texas. The parish is still older since it was planned Moczygemba brings Polish in 1730 and came into existence in 1731 with the coming of settlers to Panna Maria. Dthe Canary Island families. These new families established in San Antonio the first civil government in Texas, with duly elected officials, and among the details of their organization we find the 1856 Cornerstone laid for St. provision was made for the building of a church and the support of a Mary's, town's second church. parish priest." — Archdiocese of San Antonio 1874-1949: An Illustrated Record of the Foundation 1859 Benedictine priests arrive and Growth of Parishes, Missions and Religious Institutions in that Part of Texas under to serve German population in the Spiritual Jurisdiction of the See of San Antonio the area.
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28 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 29 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
from the archives... One hundred years of spirit: St. John Berchmans Parish celebrates milestone By Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic | excerpt from From Aug. 13, 2010
or a more than a hundred years now, the it was there she taught catechism to the children parishioners of St. John Berchmans have of the Belgian colony. Occasionally the Belgian exemplified a spirit of generosity and families would gather in the chapel for Mass said by Fperseverance that continues to shine brightly in a visiting priest. southwest San Antonio. The faces have changed and When Hooge returned to her native land to the church itself has relocated several times over the become a Sister of the Sacred Heart of Mary, years, but the faith community there today is just as she donated the chapel and land surrounding it, strong and vibrant as their pioneer founders. along with personal and collected funds, for the On Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010, the parish came together construction of what would become San Antonio’s to celebrate their 100th anniversary at a 9 a.m. Mass, Belgian-American Catholic church — St. John with Bishop Oscar Cantú presiding and including Berchmans. Her brother, Peter Hooge, and brother- priests who had served there in the past. in-law, Octave Van de Walle, donated additional St. John Berchmans got its start in 1903 as a acreage and the church was completed in 1910 small, frame chapel on the corner of Zarzamora and Brady, erected by Stephanie Hooge, who had come from Belgium in 1895 with her widowed father and siblings. Consecrating her little chapel to the Sacred Heart of Mary and St. John Berchmans, a 17th century Belgian seminarian canonized in 1885,
1860 Bishop Odin is 1862 Father Dubuis appointed to replace deceased named Bishop of Bishop of New Orleans. See Galveston. of Galveston is vacant a year and a half. 1866 Sisters of the Incarnate Word and 1861-1865 Civil War. Blessed Sacrament 1866 St. Michael Church is founded in San Antonio for Benedictines leave Mission begin establishing the Polish community. Resurrectionist priests staff Polish San30 José. TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11,schools 2018 in the diocese. parishes in San Antonio and surrounding area. FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
by members of the Belgian needed and parishioners again Diocese of San Antonio community, who traveled by came to the rescue, donating established in 1874 horse and buggy to provide land at Harriman and Kirk, building materials and labor. where a larger church and a n August 28, 1874, the Holy The new church started school were dedicated in 1949. See, created the Diocese of out with 152 members and a A convent was also built there San Antonio out of a portion Belgian priest, Father Richard for the Missionary Sisters of the Oof the western part of the Vershaffelt, as pastor. Sunday Immaculate Heart of Mary who Diocese of Galveston. When Mass was celebrated in those came to staff the school. Bishop Anthony Dominic Pellicer, early days at a single 9 a.m. St. John Berchmans parish first bishop of the diocese of San service. and school continued to Antonio, arrived in San Antonio The bells that rang for the thrive and grow on Harriman, at the end of 1874 he found a centennial were from the with the school achieving quiet little city of less than 13,000 parish’s carillon bell tower — a recognition as one of the people, predominately Spanish- sharp contrast to the church’s outstanding elementary schools speaking, with four struggling first days, when a Belgian in the city. However, the parish parishes. San Fernando Cathedral, farmer hung a plowshare in a faced a relocation challenge already 136 years old, had been tree, striking it with a pipe to once again in 1962 when their rebuilt only a few years previously. call worshipers to Mass. The property was needed for a Kelly St. Mary's had been founded founders acquired a real bell Air Force Base access road that for the increasing numbers of when Mayor Bryan Callaghan would become Gen. Hudnell English-speaking Catholics, the allowed them to have a large Drive. German colonists had organized abandoned bell on Presa Street, Property was purchased at St. Joseph Parish and St. Michael for which they constructed a Cupples Road and Weir Avenue Parish took care of a small tower in 1912. in the new and sparsely settled number of Polish families. In 1947, Archbishop Robert Brentwood area for the erection In 1874, San Antonio had two E. Lucy ended the practice of a new church, school, rectory well established Catholic schools, of national churches, which and convent. While the church the Ursuline Academy dating had been established in the was under construction, Mass from 1851 and old St. Mary's on past for different ethnicities. was held in the auditorium College Street founded by the It was at this time priests at nearby John F. Kennedy Brothers of Mary in 1852. Three from the Congregation of the High School. The dedication other schools, St. Joseph, St. Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1965 was followed by the Michael and San Fernando School (Missionhurst) were entrusted continued active participation for Girls, were either in their with the care of St. John by parishioners in numerous infancy or about to open. Berchmans, whose greatly church ministries and — Archdiocese of San Antonio expanded territory made it the organizations. More challenges 1874-1949: An Illustrated Record of the Foundation and Growth of Parishes, largest parish in the archdiocese lay ahead, but in every case, Missions and Religious Institutions in at 16,000 parishioners. Larger the parishioners rose to meet that Part of Texas under the Spiritual facilities and a school were them. • Jurisdiction of the See of San Antonio
- Work starts on extension 1868 Cornerstone is blessed for to San Fernando Church. 1872 To facilitate administrative matters in his vast St. Joseph Church, serving the territory and in anticipation of future divisions of German community. the Diocese of Galveston, Bishop Dubuis creates 1869 Sisters of Charity of - Sisters of Divine Providence four districts: Galveston, San Antonio, Laredo and the Incarnate Word arrive Brownsville. come to Castroville, later in San Antonio. They found opening schools in San Antonio. Santa Rosa Infirmary and 1873 Future Archbishop of San Antonio, Father John later an orphanage. Neraz, becomes pastor of San Fernando Church. MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 31 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
The Congregation of Holy Cross
Serving the people of Texas since 1870
Holy Cross of San Antonio Holy Cross Family Health Center San Antonio Community Law Center
Extends their prayerful best wishes and congratulations to the Archdiocese of San Antonio as it celebrates 300 years of faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
“As disciples of Jesus we stand side by side with all people … [W]herever through its superiors the congregation sends us, we go as educators in the faith to those whose lot we share, supporting men and women of grace and goodwill everywhere in their efforts to form communities of the coming kingdom.”
Holy Cross Constitutions
32 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
➢BISHOP ANTHONY including church, sold by Bishop Bishops of San Antonio DOMINIC PELLICER, Neraz to State of Texas. Bishop Pellicer (1874- 1874-1880 - Smallpox epidemic ravages San Antonio. Bishop Neraz visits the sick. 1880); Bishop Neraz 1874 Erection of Diocese of San (1881-1894) Antonio. Bishop Anthony Dominic 1884 Bishop Neraz assumes charge Pellicer first Bishop of San Antonio. of the Diocese of Brownsville when its bishop resigns due to illness. 1875 Bishop Pellicer reports diocese numbers 30,000 Catholics served by 1885 New chancery built on Dwyer. 33 missionaries and one native-born priest, 41 churches, 7 chapels, 44 1887 A sermon at St. Mary's Church missions, 18 schools, one seminary, causes Margaret Mary Healy Murphy one college and one orphanage. to found St. Peter Claver Church and School (now Healy-Murphy Center) - Sisters of Divine Providence found to serve the marginalized African- school near St. Joseph Church. Americans. She later founds the Sisters of the Holy Ghost (now Holy 1877 San Antonio and Brownsville Spirit) and Mary Immaculate to staff have diocesan boundary changes. the school. - Bishop Pellicer sells Alamo convento to Honoré Grenet for $19,000. (It had 1890 Sisters of Charity of Incarnate Bishop Pellicer been leased to U.S. government for Word build St. John Orphanage, Quartermaster’s Depot.) named for Bishop John Neraz.
1880 Bishop Pellicer dies. He is - Father C.J. Smith, OMI, begins interred under floor of San Fernando The Monthly Review of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Church, which becomes St. Mary’s Weekly Review and then The - Father Neraz, vicar general, is San Antonio Messenger in 1892. It appointed administrator upon Bishop becomes The Southern Messenger in Pellicer's death. 1893 when L. William Menger takes over. It becomes the leading Catholic ➢BISHOP JOHN C. paper in Texas. NERAZ, 1881-1894 Orders serving here: Oblates, Society of Mary, 1893 The Society of Mary’s St. Mary’s Holy Cross Fathers, Resurrectionist Fathers, College is outgrown. They build German Carmelites, plus diocesan priests new St. Louis College in location increasing. that becomes present St. Mary’s University. 1881 Father Neraz becomes first Bishop Neraz bishop to be consecrated at San - CCVIs open Incarnate Word Fernando. He continues as San Academy. Fernando pastor and as chaplain at Santa Rosa Infirmary and St. Joseph’s 1894 Bishop Neraz’s health fails. He Orphanage. moves to St. John’s Orphanage to be near Santa Rosa Infirmary, dies and 1883 Remainder of Alamo property, is buried in San Fernando Cemetery.
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 33 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
➢BISHOP JOHN 1910-1915 Teresian Sisters, refugees Bishops of San Antonio ANTHONY FOREST, 1895-1911 from Mexico, take up residence in Bishop Forest (1895-1911); the old stone chancery. Bishop Forest was called “the Bishop Shaw (1911-1918) last great representative of the … 1911 Bishop Forest dies on March missionaries from France in the past century who earned Lyons the 11. He is buried at San Fernando distinction of being called the Cradle Cemetery. of the Faith." He was a builder of churches, mixing mortar and BISHOP JOHN WILLIAM hauling stones himself on building projects. When first sent to the SHAW, 1911-1918 Hallettsville area, he knew neither Bishop Shaw, of Irish descent, was Czech nor English, but learned. concerned for the plight of Mexican- Americans. Witnessing the era of the 1895 See of San Antonio vacant Carranza and Villa revolutions in about 8 months, until Father John Anthony Forest, from France, Mexico, he offered refuge to religious installed as bishop. and others driven out. He saw the start of WW I and reopened the Bishop John Forest 1895-1896 CDP motherhouse missions for public worship, the first moves to San Antonio from step towards their preservation. Castroville. Our Lady of the Lake Convent and Academy are built and blessed by Bishop Forest. 1911 Father Shaw becomes bishop 1897 CCVIs purchase Brackenridge of San Antonio on Bishop Forest’s Villa for motherhouse and move death. He travels by covered there from their infirmary. wagon throughout the diocese, still considered a missionary diocese. 1899 Ursuline Sisters dedicate their academy. 1912 Tragic fire at St. John’s - Bishop Forest lays cornerstone for Orphanage causes St. Peter’s home new CCVI convent on villa grounds. to be built on Mission Road.
1902 Ground broken for Oblate 1914 Part of Diocese of San Antonio Bishop John shaw seminary. In 1905 it is enlarged into becomes new Diocese of El Paso. St Anthony’s College and Apostolic School for men and boys. 1915 Residing elsewhere, Bishop Shaw opens St. John’s Seminary in 1910 At Bishop Forest’s request, Father John William Shaw is named the chancery on Dwyer. coadjutor. He takes charge as Bishop Forest retires to Santa Rosa 1918 Bishop Shaw appointed Infirmary. Archbishop of New Orleans.
34 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
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The Jewish Federation of San Antonio extends a sincere ‘mazal tov’ to the Catholic community and Archdiocese of San Antonio for its rich history and Founded contributions to the city of San Antonio. in San Antonio
The Jewish community of San Antonio and the Archdiocese have partnered together for several years on the Catholics and Jews Celebrate Hanukkah program, celebrating both the Jewish holiday and the friendship our two faiths share.
May you go from “strength to strength,” as the Jewish tradition says, enjoying another 300+ years strong in the city of San Antonio.
Jonathan Gurwitz, Chair of the Board Ronit Sherwin, Chief Executive Officer Jewish Federation oF san antonio Brothers of the Beloved Disciple www.brothersofthebeloveddisciple.com
Celebrating forty-five years of exceptional architectural designs for the Archdiocese of San Antonio
MORKOVSKY + ASSOCIATES, INC. YEARS A RCHITEC T
www.morkovskyaia.com (p) 210-341-5565 4CELEBRATING 5
St. Jerome Church San Fernando Cathedral Millennial Cross St. Dominic Church
36 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
➢BISHOP and 1926 San Antonio becomes an Bishops of San Antonio ARCHBISHOP ARTHUR archdiocese and Drossaerts its first JEROME DROSSAERTS, archbishop. Bishop Drossaerts (1918- 1918-1940 - Diocese of Amarillo is formed. 1926); Archbishop Also known for aiding Mexican refugees, Archbishop Drossaerts 1926-1929 More than $21,000 Drossaerts (1926-1940) experienced the peace between the collected for Mexican refugees. two world wars, but also the Great Depression of the 1930s. As pastor 1928 Archbishop Drossaerts organizes at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in New Archdiocesan Union of Holy Name Orleans in 1899, he established first Societies with future bishop Father parish branch of the Holy Name M.S. Garriga as spiritual director. Society there. He promoted having the Holy Name Society and Society of St. 1929 St. Peter’s-St. Joseph’s Home is Vincent de Paul in every parish. dedicated.
1918 Father Drossaerts becomes 1931 San Antonio Bicentennial bishop of the Diocese of San Antonio. celebrated with Cardinal Patrick Hayes He transfers the seminary from Dwyer of New York presiding at Mass. to a temporary location, to restore -Archbishop Drossaerts invites the home as chancery and bishop’s Franciscans to return to Mission San residence. Plans are underway for new José. Mission restoration undertaken. St. John’s Seminary by Concepción. Archbishop Drossaerts - San Fernando Cemetery on Cupples 1936 Pontifical Mass held in front of Road is blessed. Alamo to commemorate the battle, with 20,000 attending. 1920 St. John's Seminary dedicated. - Bones believed to be Alamo heroes removed from under main altar and 1940 Archbishop Drossaerts dies. He 1922 The missions are entrusted to interred in marble sarcophagus at San takes no salary as bishop or archbishop Redemptorist priests. Fernando Cathedral. and there are no funds left in his estate 1924 Diocese of San Antonio 1937 Rededication of Mission San José for his burial. He is buried at San celebrates Golden Jubilee on Sept. 7. following restoration work. Fernando Cemetery.
from the archives... Mysterious artwork leads to search for its origins, strengthens Catholic-Jewish ties BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | TODAY’S CATHOLIC | excerpt from July 25, 2014 n the summer of 1961, a young Jewish artist embarking on his art career was asked by the cantor at a local synagogue to paint a religious mural in his office. Its subject, chosen by the artist with the cantor’s blessing, Iwas the rescue of the prophet Jeremiah from the pit. The mural’s own rescue from oblivion some 53 years later (twice!) at what is now a Catholic community center is a heart-warming tale of ecumenical bonhomie that is still reverberating. Maurice Schmidt, the 77-year-old painter of the “lost” mural, quickly adjusted a yarmulke atop his head one summer day in 2014, as he stepped through the front doors of what had once been Agudas Achim’s synagogue. In1995 it had become the St. Paul CommunityMAY 11, Center, 2018 • now TODAY’S newly CATHOLIC renovated 37 Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic and rechristened their House of Mercy event facility. • FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
➢ARCHBISHOP ROBERT 1946 Archdiocese turns to Ireland for 1962-1965 Archbishop Lucey and E. LUCEY, 1941 – 1969 priests for next two and a half decades. Bishop Leven attend all four sessions of Coming from Los Angeles, Father Second Vatican Council, holding news Robert E. Lucey was named Bishop 1947 New Diocese of Austin takes conferences to relate their impressions of Amarillo in 1934. Known for his some San Antonio areas, as do later upon each return. strong social justice views and work, dioceses of Beaumont, Brownsville and he was an integration and labor San Angelo. 1963 New chancery dedicated on relations pioneer. He organized the Lorene Lane. Catholic Welfare Bureau, Catholic 1949 Archdiocese of San Antonio Action Office, Archdiocesan Council of celebrates its Diamond Jubilee, with 1964 Antonian High School opens. Catholic Men and invited Vincentians Pontifical field Mass for children held to staff St. John's Seminary. He in Alamo Stadium. 1965 Archbishop Lucey gives sponsored the summer school of Social invocation at President Lyndon B. Justice for clergy of the Southwest and 1951 Former Trinity University on Johnson's inauguration. oversaw restoration of the missions. Woodlawn is purchased to be new Assumption Seminary. 1969 Archbishop Lucey retires. 1941 Installation of Archbishop Robert E. Lucey, the city's second archbishop. 1953 Catholic schools desegregate 1977 Archbishop Lucey dies and is a year before 1954 Supreme Court buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in - San Jose Mission becomes National ruling. northeast Bexar County, which he had Historical Site. acquired for cemetery use. 1956 Bishop Stephen A. Leven 1942 Confraternity of Christian consecrated auxiliary bishop. ➢ARCHBISHOP FRANCIS Doctrine formally launched. J. FUREY, 1969 – 1979 - Alamo Register becomes official 1957 Alamo Register and pioneer Southern Messenger merge to become archdiocesan newspaper. 1969 Bishop of San Diego Francis Alamo Messenger. J. Furey is installed as the third 1943 Formation of the Catholic - Holy Cross and La Salle high schools Archbishop of San Antonio on Aug. Council for the Spanish-Speaking. open in San Antonio. 6. He receives authority to designate laymen as extraordinary ministers of 1944 Archdiocesan Council of Catholic 1962 New chapel dedicated at St. Holy Communion, Dec. 15., one of the Women is formed. John’s Seminary. first in nation to do so. from the archives... Fernando Herrera and JFK BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | TODAY’S CATHOLIC | excerpt from Sept. 24, 2010 an Antonio’s Fernando Herrera played many memorable concerts and events locally and internationally, but the one that meant the most Sto him took place on Nov. 21, 1963, at the LULAC event for President John F. Kennedy at the Rice Hotel in Houston. Earlier that day, the presidential motorcade had driven through San Antonio, where the president spoke the memorable event from a photographer there, who at Brooks AFB and visited Kelly AFB. snipped off a section of 17 negatives and felt he was being Herrera led the crowd that evening in singing Cielito overpaid when Herrera handed him $50 for them. Lindo and then, standing immediately behind the Herrera was treating the photographer to breakfast Kennedys and Johnsons, began shouting “¡olé!” so when someone from the newsroom rushed in saying the enthusiastically he nearly toppled onto them. Afterwards, president had been shot in Dallas. At first, they thought Herrera remembers the president warmly shaking his he was joking, recalled Herrera. The man was not, and hand and saying, “Thank you for everything, young man.” the room quickly emptied as reporters and photographers The next morning, Nov. 22, 1963, Herrera rushed took off for Dallas, leaving the stunned Herrera with the 38down TODAY’Sto the newspaper CATHOLIC office, • MAY 11,eager 2018 to obtain photos of negatives he now owned and would treasure always. • FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
1970 Permanent diaconate program Bishops of San Antonio inaugurated. - Father Patrick F. Flores of Houston Archbishop Lucey (1941- named auxiliary bishop, first 1969); Archbishop Furey Mexican-American in U.S. hierarchy. (1969-1979) 1971 Three million dollar loan negotiated to consolidate archdiocesan debts under a monthly amortization plan.
1972 Father John Yanta appointed archdiocesan director of lay activities from the archives... to coordinate the lay apostolate. - Mexican American Cultural Center SANYO reunion (MACC) established on Assumption Seminary campus. recalls past victories - Former Alamo Messenger becomes BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | Today’s Catholic. TODAY’S CATHOLIC | excerpt from Oct. 22, 2010 1973 Diocese of Oklahoma City- Archbishop LUCEY Tulsa removed from San Antonio he year was 1964. LBJ Province. was president and the term “The Great Society” - Archbishop Furey takes strong stand T against Jan. 22 abortion decision by was in fashion. Father John U.S. Supreme Court. W. Yanta (today, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese 1978 San Antonio Missions National of Amarillo) was youth Historical Park established. director for the Archdiocese - First Folklife Mass held. of San Antonio and running - Auxiliary Bishop Flores named it on the proverbial shoe Bishop of El Paso. string when Al Phaneuf of the archdiocesan Family 1978 Archbishop Furey dies and is and Children’s Services buried in Holy Cross Cemetery. (now Catholic Charities), Archbishop FUREY SEE PAGE 40➢
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 39 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
continued from ➢Page 39 mentioned to him the federal government would be funding a number of anti-poverty programs. “You ought to get into that,” he told the young priest. “They’re going to have a lot of money.” Shortly thereafter Father Yanta came across a small ad in America magazine on the Department of Labor’s new Neighborhood Youth Father Yanta. When Father Yanta SANYO’s Teenage Program Corps program. “And I wrote for returned to archdiocesan work helped develop leadership and a brochure,” he related, “and I in 1971, he requested Rodriguez social responsibility in teens, liked what I saw.” as his successor, a job Rodriguez while younger children were From this sprang SANYO, held until SANYO’S end. provided after school care the San Antonio Neighborhood “There were some very exciting and activities. There was also Youth Organization, which for times and, naturally, some a program for adults, offering 29 years would positively impact very difficult times,” Rodriguez on-job training and employment the lives of thousands upon recalled. The dedicated staff put counseling. thousands of young and old living in long hours, often arriving Eleanor Marie Zepeda, in poverty on the west, east and at work at 6 a.m. and staying SANYO archivist, worked south sides of San Antonio. on until 10 or 11 p.m. SANYO for SANYO in its early years A gathering at the Walgreen’s averaged a budget of $3 to $4 instructing school drop-outs so in Las Palmas Shopping Center million annually, with year-round they could pass G.E.D. tests. They of Father Yanta, Brother Stanley and summer programs. would help the students enroll Culotta, CSC, of Holy Cross The Neighborhood Youth at San Antonio College and stay High School, Roman “Romy” Corps program gave youngsters in touch to be sure they were Vela, a coach at St. Anthony’s from low income families the doing okay. “Keep going through High School, Mike Conley of Mt. means to earn money to stay in college and you’ll have a different Sacred Heart athletics and Jimmy or go back to school as well as kind of life,” they told their Coronado, a West Side CYO acquire work experience so they students. sports commissioner, led to the could obtain good jobs. Those in “I always tell Bishop (Yanta) official founding of SANYO as a school put in work hours after that he was inspired by the nonprofit organization on April school in a variety of programs Holy Spirit,” Zepeda said, 6, 1965, with Father Yanta as its to better their communities, recalling SANYO. “He said ‘yes’ executive director. Their primary supervising neighborhood to the Holy Spirit and it was intent was summer employment children in educational, an overflow of life for the city for underprivileged San Antonio cultural and civic improvement of San Antonio.” The bishop youth. programs. The out-of-school himself described it as God Covering this movement was program for drop-outs had arranging for everything to be a young reporter from the San young people participating in present – “the right city, the right Antonio Express and News, Julian work training jobs with a future people, the right time, the right R. Rodriguez who, two or three and provided them with remedial president, the right archbishop.” years into SANYO’s founding, classes to acquire a G.E.D. (Archbishop Robert E. Lucey led was offered at job there by At the neighborhood centers, the archdiocese at the time.) •
40 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio Hermanas Catequistas Guadalupanas Hermanas Catequistas A Religious Community dedicated to catechizeGuadalupanas and evangelize through: ur Congregation of Hermanas /LIH:LWQHVVWR&KULVWCatequistas Guadalupanas was &KULVWLDQ(GXFDWLRQOfounded by His Excellency, Servant of God, Jesus María Echavarria y Aguirre, on August 24, 1923, in Saltillo, 3DULVK3DVWRUDO:RUNCoahuila, Mexico. We arrived in the Archdiocese of San Antonio in 1950, at the request)RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ of Archbishop Robert E. Lucey. We have ministered SOHDVHZULWH through the years at San Fernando Cathedral, and in the San Antonio parishes of Immaculate Conception, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Joseph (SouthHermanas San), St. Clare, St. Jude, St. Rose of Lima, and St. Henry — to mention a few. At the present time,Catequistas we are serving at Our Lady of Angels and St. Ann Parishes. We also have ministeredGuadalupanas in parishes at Del Rio, Comstock, Karnes City, and Kenedy. 6)ORUHV6W Our Charisma is to help the Bishops in the regeneration of Society 6DQ$QWRQLR7;through Christian The Catholic and Education, in Schools, Evangelization, Catechesis Marianist University and missions, especially among210.532.9344 the poor. www.stmarytx.edu
www.salesiansisterswest.org
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 41 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
CONGRATULATIONS!
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42 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
from the archives... Folklife Mass product of Texas Folklife Festival BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | TODAY’S CATHOLIC | Excerpt from June 3 and July 1, 2011
ot even the rising Texas heat could dampen parishes for these immigrant groups. Subsequent the enthusiasm of those gathered beneath a Folklife Masses provided an opportunity for festival towering oak in HemisFair Park the morning participants and visitors to attend Mass nearby Nof Sunday, June 12, 2011, to celebrate the return before the gates opened and featured choirs, many of the multi-ethnic Folklife Mass after a seven-year in national costume, with a procession of flags and hiatus. Held in conjunction with the 40th annual the intercessions given in different languages. The Texas Folklife Festival taking place on the nearby first single, multi-cultural Mass took place in 1978 at grounds of the Institute of Texan Cultures, the the HemisFair Water Follies Pavilion. occasion fittingly fell on the Feast of Pentecost. The Texas Folklife Festival, which the Mass is Serving as celebrant was Archbishop Gustavo part of, was established by O.T. Baker in 1972, four García-Siller, MSpS, with Bishop Charles V. years after San Antonio’s HemisFair ’68 and created Grahmann, Bishop John W. Yanta and Msgr. a much-needed sense of community and shared Lawrence J. Stuebben as concelebrants. Bishop values in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement Grahmann, Bishop Yanta and Msgr. Stuebben were and Vietnam War. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, all past presidents of the Texas Catholic Conference the 2011 festival was billed as the biggest cultural on Community Ethnic Affairs, which instituted celebration in Texas and brought together more than the first Folklife Mass in 1977 to show the cultural 250 participants from 40 different cultural groups diversity of Catholicism in Texas. in Texas for a three-day showcase of Texas’ rich The first Folklife Mass was actually 15 separate heritage, presented through a wide variety of ethnic ethnic Masses celebrated at churches around the food, music, dance, arts and crafts. city the Saturday and Sunday of the festival. Some Msgr. Stuebben, who spearheaded the return of of these included: Alsatians at St. Louis Church the Mass, noted the Folklife Festival and the Mass in Castroville; Italians at San Franceso di Paolo; were both celebrations of our unity in diversity. “We African-Americans at Holy Redeemer; Spanish, are of many racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, Mexican and Canary Islanders at San Fernando from many different places and countries and Cathedral; Belgians at St. John Berchmans; Germans continents,” he related. “We are all immigrants or at St. Joseph; Irish at St. Patrick; and Lebanese at St. the children of immigrants and yet we are called to George Maronite. Most had been former “national” be one people, sharing hope and light.” •
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 43 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
➢ARCHBISHOP PATRICK FLORES, Bishops of San Antonio 1979 – 2004 Then-Bishop of El Paso and the first Archbishop Flores (1941-1969) Mexican-American U.S. bishop, Patrick F. Archbishop Gomez (1969-1979) Flores became Archbishop of San Antonio Archbishop García-Siller, MSpS in 1979. A former migrant farmworker, (2010 -) musician, auxiliary bishop here and national chair of PADRES (which became the National Association of Hispanic Priests) he supported farmworkers and Carol Baass Sowa | Today’s Catholic Mexican-American civil rights and was from the archives... known as the "Mariachi Bishop." Under his leadership, Catholic Television of San Walesa challenges Antonio (CTSA) was founded in 1981, a new Pastoral Center opened on Woodlawn America to offer the Ave. in 1984 and partnership with the world moral leadership Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, was created in 2001. In 1987, Pope John BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | TODAY’S Paul II’s San Antonio field Mass drew a CATHOLIC | excerpt from Nov. record 300,000, and 2002 marked the 12, 2004 start of the annual joint Catholic-Jewish n a visit to Panna Maria, Lech Archbishop Flores Hanukkah celebration. Walesa, former president of Poland and founder of the ➢ARCHBISHOP JOSÉ H. Solidarity movement that GOMEZ, 2004 – 2010 O toppled Communism in that Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, country, compared the struggles a strong moral voice on end of life issues, of the early Polish settlers here became Archbishop of San Antonio in to Poland’s struggle for freedom, 2004, when Texas was divided into two noting both were “under the ecclesiastical provinces, with Galveston- banner of Our Lady,” and urged Houston made an archdiocese and a continuance of these close ties metropolitan see. Assumption Seminary with the Blessed Virgin to secure enrolled a record number of seminarians the future. He noted the original goals for freedom had been won, for the 2006-2007 school year and, but added, “Today we must realize in 2006, the Catholic Community that technological advances Foundation was established. In 2007, the and development have led us archbishop helped bring together Hispanic into a situation in which we can Archbishop GOMEZ leaders and Catholic bishops to form the restructure the world differently, in Catholic Association of Latino Leaders which we can globalize the world. (CALL), and a symposium of city leaders … we will all be just humankind.” to craft a moral vision for San Antonio’s Randy Pawelek, on behalf future. Hope for the Future raised $2 of Panna Maria, Immaculate million for Catholic school tuition Conception parish and Father Wojciech Reisch, pastor, presented assistance and Las Misiones' Capital Walesa with a Texas flag from Campaign achieved its $15.5 million goal. the capitol in Austin and other ➢ARCHBISHOP GUSTAVO gifts. As Pawelek commented on GARCíA-SILLER, MSpS, 2010– Walesa’s role in “the ending of Born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and Communism in Europe,” the church former auxiliary for the Archdiocese of bell above the gathering rang out, as if on cue, creating a momentary Chicago, Bishop Gustavo García-Siller, hush. Pawelek invited the former MSpS, became Archbishop of San Antonio president to return for Panna in 2010. Maria’s 200th anniversary in 2054, Archbishop García-Siller Ven, Holy Spirit! Ven! which Walesa heartily accepted. •
44 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
Casa de Padres was founded in 1989 as
Msgr. Mike Yarbrough, Fr. Daniel Villarreal an independent living facility for retired & the Staff of Holy Trinity Catholic Church priests. Our residents have faithfully served Christ’s people for many years in Join in San Antonio’s tricentennial celebration! San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Holy Trinity was founded in faith They continue to serve God’s people in with this mission many ways. Casa de Padres remembers “People who believe and belong all the priests who have served in the The Kingdom of God Archdiocese of San Antonio during the is where you are” last 300 years and will pray the Lord Jesus Christ continue to call men and As our city celebrates its 300th anniversary, we women to the priesthood and consecrated are happy to be part of a beautiful city rich in religious life. Casa de Padres residents history, culture and community. A city where and staff commemorate San Antonio’s all are welcome and all call home. tricentennial celebration including our city’s rich Catholic heritage.
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 45 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
from the archives... After two decades, papal visit seems just like yesterday By Jordan McMorrough | Today’s Catholic
o one would doubt that the visit of Pope John Paul II was the biggest event ever to happen in the archdiocese, a time that still impacts lives and Nministry in this part of the church in south Texas. However, most would probably never guess that this undertaking, and all of the massive planning involved, was headed by a core team that could be counted on one hand. This small coterie included then-Father Larry Stuebben, statewide coordinator; Sister Charlene Wedelich, CDP, administrative assis- tant; and Robert Aguirre, project manager. Two weeks after their departure, then-Father Stuebben was called into the office of Archbishop Beginnings of the visit Flores. The archbishop told him that the pope was The seeds were planted for the papal pilgrimage probably going to come here, and the archbishop asked when Archbishop Patrick F. Flores and the bishops the then-rector of Assumption Seminary to coordi- of Texas were in Rome in 1982 for their “ad limina” nate the visit. In what Msgr. Stuebben called a “master meetings at the Vatican. stroke” by Archbishop Flores, San Antonio was the Pope John Paul II had visited the United States only location in the United States in which the whole in 1978 and let it be known that he wanted to come province hosted the visit and not just one diocese. back and visit different parts of the country. It was a joint invitation that featured joint payment, More than 60 dioceses submitted invitations to based on a formula devised by the Texas Catholic Con- the Holy See, hoping that the Holy Father would ference. Under that plan, larger sees, such as Dallas and grace their own local churches with his presence. Galveston-Houston, contributed more toward funding In the fall of 1985, an advance team came through the papal pilgrimage. Of a $2.4 million budget estab- and looked at facilities in San Antonio in antici- lished before the trip, $200,000 remained in the coffers pation of a visit by the pontiff, and a few months after the event. “Some dioceses across the country are later, in February of 1986, a group from the Vatican still paying for their papal visit two decades after the appeared in town for the same purpose. fact,” Msgr. Stuebben said incredulously.
46 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
from the archives... The monsignor noted that a decision was made early in the process to not pay for the visit by Coming Home: selling souvenirs, as was done in some of the cities on the U.S. tour. Casa de Padres celebrates 25 years He emphasized that at every BY CAROL BAASS SOWA | TODAY’S CATHOLIC | From OCT. 3, 2014 level of planning, the then-13 different dioceses of Texas were am glad to see this day bishop, noted Catholic Life involved, and each diocese had arrive,” read the Nov. 19, Insurance President Michael its own event coordinator. As an 1989 entry in Msgr. Alois Belz, “was the one hundred example, at the papal Mass, the IGoertz’s diary. “Consoling per cent person behind it and ushers, Eucharistic ministers, to know that the center is followed through to make it and choir members came from here.” The date marked the a reality.” Both Engberg and all over the Lone Star State. dedication of Casa de Padres, Belz became part of the ad hoc After agreeing to lead the the Archdiocese of San committee which followed and effort, Msgr. Stuebben told the Antonio’s home for retired were continually reappointed archbishop that he needed some- diocesan priests. On its 25th to serve on the Casa’s board of one to work with on the massive anniversary in 2014, the Casa directors. endeavor. Archbishop Flores sug- (as its residents refer to it) had At its groundbreaking in gested Sister Charlene, coordi- served as the retirement home June of 1989, Archbishop nator for the archdiocesan Office for 26 area priests, in addition Patrick F. Flores described for Religious, and she agreed to to the 13 current residents Casa de Padres as “the most join the team. Then Aguirre was who currently called it home successful building project in hired as project manager. — one of them being Msgr. the history of the archdiocese.” After careful deliberations, a Goertz. The complex was dedicated Mass site was chosen in Westover Nestled in the wooded hills and blessed by the archbishop Hills that fit all of the criteria near Leon Springs, the retire- on Nov. 19 of that year, along needed for a huge outdoor gath- ment residence for priests able with Bishop Bernard Popp and ering. The property was owned to live independently, was an Bishop Edmond Carmody, by developer Marty Wender and idea whose time had come, if in ceremonies marked by the attorney Wayne Wright, with a not long overdue. release of white doves symbol- small part of the acreage pur- Jeannine Engberg, long- izing the Holy Spirit. chased by Tim Von Dohlen; who time manager at Casa de On Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, were of the Jewish faith, a Baptist Padres, recalled, “They went residents and guests celebrated and a Catholic, respectively. to Archbishop Flores and the facility’s 25th anniversary asked if it would be possible with a blessing of thanksgiving WHAT DOES THIS ALL and if he would agree to let given by Archbishop Gustavo MEAN? them find a site.” The arch- García-Siller, MSpS. • “The effect on San Antonio as a whole and the church as a whole in Texas was extremely positive,” said the monsignor. The involve- ment of the community was total. I never got a ‘no.’ San An- tonio said, ‘We are a big town.’ The ecumenical reality flowered beautifully at that time.” •
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 47 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
Rev. Tony Vilano and the staff of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church join in San Antonio’s tricentennial celebration with great joy. St. Francis was founded in faith with the mission to emulate our patron saint by focusing our greater concern on the building of our people, giving our time, talent and treasures, in reaching out to others, and promoting peace and harmony within God’s creation. Parishioners of St. Francis have served San Antonio through Mobile Loaves & Fishes, St. Vincent de Paul, and Habitat for Humanity, just to name a few outreach ministries. St. Francis has also been a vital leader in establishing ACTS in San Antonio. As our city celebrates its 300th anniversary, we at St. Francis pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to draw our communities closer together as we strive to live out the good news of Jesus Christ.
ONON THETHE TRICENTENNIALTRICENTENNIAL MayMay youryour spiritualspiritual heritageheritage continuecontinue toto strengthenstrengthen && empowerempower youyou toto shareshare thethe goodgood news!news!
FROM BISHOP CURTIS J. GUILLORY, SVD AND THE CATHOLIC FAITHFUL OF THE
48 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
BE INVOLVED.
BE AMAZING.
BE A PART OF SOMETHING GREATER.
You want to make a difference. Make it happen here. The University of the Incarnate Word is built on a foundation of faith and commitment to service. By the time our students graduate, each has performed at least 45 hours of community service. If you like serving others, you’ll be in good company here. Because here our active and proud Cardinals are always willing to lend a hand. So discover new ways to give back. uiw.edu DISCOVER THE POWER OF YOU
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 49 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio Happy 300th Birthday San Antonio! ♰ Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Serving all Catholics for 105 Years, congratulates San Antonio on 300 years of Mission and Ministry Thank you to the Catholics • Outreach to adults and before us who left us so much. children in the community Please donate forward • Bilingual (Spanish) Masses to your favorite local • Pastoral and prayerful Catholic Endowment fund. presence
Visit us and Donate online: www.ccftx.org/donate • All are welcome or Mail a check donation to CCF Endowment Fund at: 111 Barilla Place, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78209 Father Kevin Fausz, CM, phone: 210.732.2153 Pastor email: [email protected]
Serving African American Catholics for 117 years
Holy Redeemer Serves since 1901: GUARANTEE PLUMBING & • African-American Catholics • San Antonio’s East Side AIR CONDITIONING, INC. • ACTS HIV Community 4601 McCullough • St. Cyprian Igbo Community San Antonio, Texas 78212 • Community Outreach (210) 826-2333 • ALL ARE WELCOME • A Beacon of Hope for San Owner: L.W. Tschoepe Antonio’s East Side General Manager: Dawn Simpson CONGRATULATIONS SAN ANTONIO ON 300 YEARS OF We won’t DRAIN your checkbook!! MISSION AND MINISTRY because we have been FLUSHING your troubles away since 1934 Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Very Rev. Kevin P. Fausz, CM, VU Pastor
50 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
Federation of Guadalupanos Archdiocese of San Antonio ~ Congratulations San Antonio on your Tricentennnial! 300 Years of History
The Federation of Guadalupanos was formed in l981 by then Archbishop Patrick Flores. Its mission was first and foremost to promote devotions to Our Lady of Guadalupe and second, to serve as an umbrella organization for Societies or Confraternities of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Archdiocese. The Federation was also charged with planning and organizing the Archdiocesan-wide Feast Day Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December of each year. Our primary mission has not changed and we continue providing spiritual guidance to all Societies of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Guadalupanas or Guadalupanos), and helping to establish new Societies in parishes where there are none. Each year, the Federation plans three bilingual events: • A Lenten Retreat; • A Fall Spiritual Retreat; and • The Feast Day Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In addition, a Conference of Guadalupanos is scheduled every two years and every five years the Federation hosts a State Convention, both with speakers to deliver bilingual programs on Our Blessed Mother. We also have a responsibility to plan and implement the projects that the Archbishop presents to us. With the help of Our Lord and Our Lady of Guadalupe, the dedication of Guadalupanos, and the prayers of parishioners, we continue working to accomplish our mission. We are excited to have the opportunity to introduce this Guadalupano ministry to parishioners throughout the Archdiocese and invite everyone to join us at our events. For more information on the Federation of Guadalupanos, programs, and establishment of Societies, contact Mrs. Carmen Lopez, Federation President, (210) 545-5238. Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for Us.
2018 Federation Bilingual Events: - Archdiocesan Guadalupano Conference, Saturday, October 27, 2018 Holy Name Catholic Church, 3814 Nash Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78223 - Feast Day Celebration, Sunday, December 2, 2018, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1602 Thousand Oaks Dr., San Antonio, TX
Carmen Lopez, President, St. Mark the Evangelist Elvira Cantú Arrieta, 1st Vice President, Prince of Peace Eva Garcia, 2nd Vice President, St. Luke Lorena De Hoyos-Gutiérrez, Secretary, Church of the Holy Spirit Mary Lerma, Vice Secretary, St. Dominic Calie Avila, Treasurer, Our Lady of Guadalupe (San Antonio) Anita Cavazos, Outreach Membership Coordinator, St. Mark the Evangelist
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 51 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
St. GeorGe Maronite CatholiC ChurCh
Father Charles Khachan , MLM, Pastor, and the parishioners of St. George Maronite Catholic Church send joyous greetings to the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
Since 1925, our Maronite Rite Catholic parish has flourished within the archdiocese.
As we go forward together, in establishing God's kingdom, we continue to invite people of all backgrounds to share in the richness of the Maronite Catholic liturgy and traditions.
52 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
n 1926, a group of Cordi-Marian Sisters came to the United States Ifleeing Mexico’s Revolution and religious persecution: they settled in Martindale, Texas. Since that time, the Cordi Marian Sisters have actively labored in service to the poor through teaching, Evangelization, social work and prayer. In the early 1930’s, the Cordi Marian Mother House was established at 2910 Morales Street, San Antonio, Texas. The sisters concentrated their ministry along with the Claretian fathers in what was first St. Geronimo church and soon after became Christ the King Church. They helped build a Parochial school, and staffed it from 1944 to its closing in mid 1980’s. Along with the school the sisters also directed many parish Religious Education programs in the archdiocese and in several surrounding towns in Texas and in other states. The Sisters also helped Father Virgil Elizondo open and staff the MACC bookstore for many of its early years.
With the help of Archbishop Stephen E. Leven, in 1957, the Sisters acquired 85 acres of property just outside the city limits of San Antonio. On this property, known as the Villa, they built a new mother house, established their novitiate, and worked a small farm. In 1967, a 5,000 square foot limestone chapel was built for the sisters’ private prayer and public religious celebrations.
In 1985, the Sisters offered their property and buildings as a setting for retreats. The sisters dedicate themselves to helping make each retreat meaningful and special for each participants.
The Sisters have also expanded their cemetery and opened it to the public. Resurrection cemetery’s peacefulness and natural beauty of the grounds are harmonized by life-size statuary of the Stations of the Cross and soft music pumped throughout the day.
The Sisters take this opportunity to invite all to come and visit or just come and take an afternoon walk.
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 53 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
1938-1985 1980 to present
Beatriz Borrego, Mother
richard, raul, roBert Jr., with their father, roBerto Sr.
NatioNal tia Hall of fame — RobeRt accepts His fatHeR’s today... NomiNatioN at coNveNtioN
MeMber TorTilla indusTry associaTion Mclean, Virginia
taMale Production
flouR pRoductioN — RobeRt boRRego, JR. fox tecH class of 1950 4th generation general Manager anthony Borrego with hiS grandfather roBert Borrego, Jr.
1130 Fresno dr., san antonio, tX 78201 Phone: (210) 733-5352 • e-mail: [email protected]
54 TODAY’S CATHOLIC • MAY 11, 2018 FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio FOUNDED IN FAITH — 300 years of Catholic San Antonio
“San Antonio will be the headquarters . . . the heart from which we will go out . . . ”
VENERABLE ANTONIO MARGIL DE JESUS, 1790
Dear Archbishop Gustavo and my dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I bring you joyful greetings from the family of God here in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as you celebrate this important anniversary of your city and your local Church.
I will never forget the privilege I had of celebrating the Jubilee Year of the 275th anniversary of San Fernando Cathedral. San Antonio’s Tricentennial again provides a providential moment to remember this city’s deep Christian roots.
We give thanks to that first generation of evangelists, like Fray Damián Massenet, who celebrated the first Mass along the riverbank here on the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua in 1691 and Venerable Antonio Margil de Jesus, the great apostle of Texas.
This anniversary is not a date we remember from the past. It is a mission that is given to us for the future. In a special way, you are called to complete the task of those first missionaries and truly make San Antonio the spiritual heart of a renewed America.
Entrusting you to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of America, I pray that this time of remembrance will be a time of renewal. May we all rededicate ourselves to our mission of the new evangelization of our country and continent.
My heart is with all of you!
Archbishop of Los Angeles Archbishop of San Antonio (2005-2010)
MAY 11, 2018 • TODAY’S CATHOLIC 55 Securing Families Lives Since 1901
Life Insurance Annuities • IRAs Medicare Supplement
(210) 828-9921 • San Antonio, Texas • www.cliu.com