A time for special graces

The city of Alice was originally named “Bandana,” later changed to Kleberg, and eventually named “Alice” in honor of Alice Gertrudis King Kleberg, the daughter of Richard King, the founder of the King Ranch. Today, Alice is home to three parishes: St. Joseph, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, and Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church was inaugurated on December 12, 1942 – the Feast Day of Our Lady. Originally a mission of St. Joseph, it became a parish in 1970. The parish was predominantly Hispanic and happy and proud to be named after the Mexican apparition of Mary.

Two colorful banners outside the church announce that it is a holy site for the Jubilee Year of Hope. The parish is very excited: inside the church, a “House of Prayer” has been prepared for the Jubilee Year, inviting everyone to spend more time with the Lord. 

Fr. James Thoompunkal welcomes everyone to his parish: “We welcome everyone here so that they can receive blessings and graces,” he says. A Jubilee Year is a special time, so everyone should take advantage of it and receive a plenary indulgence by visiting a Holy Site, praying, receiving the Eucharist, and going to confession. 

OLG in Alice offers monthly Prayer Services for the Jubilee Year of Hope. This month, on Saturday, March 22, at 8 am, there will be Eucharistic Adoration with healing prayers. The theme for the April service is the Passion of Christ, which will be held on Friday, April 11, at 6 pm. You can find all the dates on the parish website, olgalice.org, or call the parish office at (361) 664-2953.