Southeast Texas Catholics will be taking a look back in time this weekend. The Diocese of Beaumont is opening a time capsule that’s been buried for at least three decades.
Opening the time capsule is just part of a celebration set for this Sunday, January 28, 2007, as St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Beaumont, commemorates its 100th anniversary and the diocese continues its celebrations for its Jubilee Year. "There's so much history here at St. Anthony, I've often said that if these walls could talk, I doubt they could decide on a topic," said Father Jerry McGrath, rector of St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica.
A Jubilee Pontifical Mass will begin at noon and will be celebrated by Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD. Following the Mass, the diocese will open a capsule that is buried on the church grounds, and then the Bishop will bless all the families in attendance.
The cornerstone for St. Anthony was laid in 1903, during the oil boom of Spindletop, on the foundation where a hospital and school had once stood. The property, a block bounded by Forsythe, Jefferson, Wall and Archie Streets, had been purchased in 1894 by Father P.J. Kelleth for $700. St. Louis Church, the only Catholic church in town, was moved there.
"This building was the center of life in the diocese through so much of its history -- through two world wars, hurricanes, tragedies, blessings. It's really seen a lot, and it's been there for people," Father McGrath said.
The building was named a historical site in 1981, and a Texas Historical Marker was placed on the church grounds. In August 2006, Pope Benedict XVI granted the status of minor basilica to St. Anthony Cathedral. The designation linked St. Anthony more closely to the Chair of Peter, and made it one of the many sites of pilgrimage for Catholics in the United States.
More Community News
January 26, 2007
Southeast Texas Catholics to open time capsule
- More Community News
-
- Port Neches police reports week of June 6 -June 12 Port Neches police investigated the following reported incidents during the week of June 6 through June 12:
-
Groves police reports week of June 6 though June 12
Groves police investigated the following reported incidents during the week of June 6 through June 12:
- Nederland police reports Nederland police investigated the following reported incidents during the week:
- Alpha & Omega Baptist Church to host ribbon cutting
- New MHS campus groundbreaking set for April 19
- Mexican Heritage Society to meet April 17
- LHS Class of 1988 to meet April 28
- PA Branch of NAACP to meet April 19
- Port Arthur police beat — April 7 to April 11 Port Arthur police investigated the following reported incidents during the week of April 7.
- Superintendent Brown is up for challenge
- More More Community News Headlines
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
