Pope Francis blesses the Catholic Diocese of Austin in Celebration of the 75th Anniversary

The Most Reverend Joe S. Vasquez, Bishop of Austin and the people of the Diocese of Austin have received a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis on this the 75th Anniversary of the Catholic Church in Central Texas.
 
Beginning on Nov. 19, 2022, the Diocese of Austin is opening a Year of Celebration. This Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton, the opening celebration includes Mass, guest speaker, Father Pivonka, TOR, president of Steubenville University, live praise music with the Dave Moore Band and more. Ron Oliveira, former Austin News Anchor and founder of Oliveira Public Communications, will take the stage as emcee for the day.
 
The faithful, numbering over 700,000 Catholics, from throughout the diocese, that geographically includes, San Marcos on the south up to West, Texas and College Station on the East to Mason, are invited to join in the festivities.
 
I hold in prayer the many who came before us -- those who were present at the founding of the Diocese of Austin and those faithful Catholics who settled here in Central Texas bringing their faith to this land; join me in remembering them. I look forward to seeing you at this historic event so that together we may give praise and glory to God, says Bishop Joe S. Vásquez.

The Year of Celebration includes other activities and observances – Bishop Vásquez has designated five pilgrimage sites and Catholics nationwide are in the midst of a Eucharistic Revival!
 
Three media sponsors, Red C Radio, EWTN, and Armor of God, Catholic radio outlets, will be simulcasting the event live. Thanks to our generous sponsors whose donations and prayers help make this event possible. See a list of all sponsors here!

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