Our Lady of Victory was formally established July 13, 1958, but her history actually dates back to early 1956. At that time the families of Thomas O'Connor Sr. and Martin O'Connor donated twenty acres of land for the purpose of a parish church. Construction began October 12, 1956. The church was built in memory of Junie B. O'Connor by Tom O'Connor Jr.
Two full units of classrooms and the administration building of the school were completed for opening in September 1957. The cornerstone of the church was laid and blessed by Archbishop Robert E. Lucey of San Antonio, April 7, 1957. The church and rectory were completed in the summer of 1958 and the church's solemn consecration took place November 4, 1958. |
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The planning and beginning of the parish was under the direction of Rev. Monsignor Frederick O'Beck, then pastor of St. Mary's in Victoria, who was assisted by Rev. Michael Harrold, then associate pastor of St. Mary's. Rev. Henry Rolf served as first pastor, July 12, 1958 until June 1962.
Our Lady of Victory was designated the Cathedral Church when the Diocese of Victoria in Texas was established, May 29, 1982. The Most Reverend Charles Victor Grahmann was installed as the first Bishop of the diocese. The Most Reverend David Eugene Fellhauer was ordained and installed as the second bishop of the diocese on May 28, 1990 in the cathedral.
Piu V established the feast of Our Lady of Victory in commemoration of the victory won by the Christian fleet at Lepanto October 7, 1571. The victory was attributed to the help of the Holy Mother of God whose aid was invoked through the praying of the rosary. Pope Gregory XII changed the feast to the feast of the Most Holy Rosary, which is the parish feast day.
Catholics have gathered and worshipped in this parish since 1958. It serves both as a parish church and as the liturgical center of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria in Texas untied around the catherdra, or the authoritative teaching chair of the local bishop. The Cathedral is open each day, and all are welcome to come for prayer and worship.
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Church History