Holy Cross honors St. Katharine Drexel as part of centennial observance

Msgr. Michael Howell, assisted by Holy Cross pastor Father Eulalio P. Ibay, STD, celebrates Mass on March 2, Feast of St. Katherine Drexel, benefactress of Holy Cross.

Photos by Liz Vesley and Terri Longoria

To Celebrate the Feast Day of St Katharine Drexel and to give the parishioners a better understanding of the historical significance of the creation of the Holy Cross Parish, Msgr. Michael Howell gave a history of the origination of the Holy Cross Church and buildings and how St. Katharine Drexel was so instrumental in the purchasing of these buildings.

Holy Cross celebrated the feast day of St. Katharine Drexel–which fell on March 3–on Sunday, March 2, with a Mass and a luncheon. Msgr. Howell celebrated the Mass with Holy Cross Pastor Father Eulalio P. Ibay, STD concelebrating the Mass with him. The Liturgical Readings were appropriate for the occasion of St. Katharine Drexel Feast Day; giving of oneself to those that are less fortunate.

Immediately after mass a luncheon was served in the Drexel Parish Hall. At the luncheon held at the parish hall after Mass, Msgr. Howell spoke of the historical presence of Holy Cross Church in Corpus Christi. Holy Cross was created to serve the Black community of Corpus Christi, but has grown to be a church with a diverse congregation. This congregation continues to invite and support all community members regardless of their social or cultural background to hear the message of unity and salvation in Jesus Christ.

A meal was cooked by parishioner Mike Burrow and served by volunteers. Corpus Christi mayor Nelda Martinez was a special guest of the luncheon.

The Mass and luncheon in honor of St. Katharine Drexel is just one of the events that will be held during the year to commemorate the Centennial Jubilee of Holy Cross Parish, a parish that has provided spiritual care and practical assistance to its community for 100 years.

The Centennial Historical Committee has put together photo albums of pictures donated by parishioners depicting the past 100 years. This committee headed by Fern Carter and Terri Longoria, and has been collecting pictures and memorabilia from the last 100 years.

Divina Galan created a picture collage on poster boards of the past three priests who have served Holy Cross Church. Msgr. Patrick Higgins, Father Anthony Muppala and Father Arularasu Mathias were featured with the parishioners of Holy Cross and participating at the Jazz Mass.