Campaign in the works for cathedral upgrades, repairs

By PAUL BINZ

The Valley Catholic

BROWNSVILLE   —  On the 164th anniversary of its dedication, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is in need of repairs.                                                                                                                               

Catholic Extension, a national fundraising organization that helps ensure that all American Catholics can practice their faith within vibrant faith communities, has offered to match dollar for dollar at least $40,000 and up to $80,000 toward those repairs if the cathedral can raise an equal amount.

The deadline to meet the challenge is Dec. 31, a little over six months from now.

Although the cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Brownsville, it is also the center of a small parish with a limited revenue base. So planning has begun for the diocese and its faithful to raise the money by the end of this year.

Construction of the Immaculate Conception Church began under direction of Father Pierre Yves Keralum and the Oblates in 1856. The work took several years, culminating in the church’s officially dedication on June 19, 1859.

Today the structure is in need of essential electrical and safety upgrades, as well as repairs inside it and other buildings of the cathedral complex.

To make a contribution please contact the Immaculate Conception Cathedral at (956) 546-3178.