Historically, the Catholic Church, in the form of religious missionaries, played a large role in the development and growth of early South Texas. People of faith from the pioneer era to the present day have answered callings and shaped the face of the South Texas Church.
Church administration during the early years was varied. At times, South Texas was administered under the Dioceses of Guadalajara, Linares, Monterrey and Durango, all in Mexico. Political situations made it necessary to change the administration of the Church, and in 1841, the entire Republic of Texas was made a Vicariate Apostolic.
For a complete history of the Diocese of Corpus Christi see historical periods in menu at the right.