By Ruth Ann Ruiz
The Post Newspaper Features Editor
Have you ever wanted to see the inside of Galveston’s historic Catholic churches? If so, your chance is coming up to take a self-guided tour. Holy Family Parish is opening the doors of several churches for guests to tour.
This idea to share the churches with guests came from parishioners who asked for tours, and a committee was formed with dedicated volunteers.
Over a year of researching the history of each church has concluded, and docents are now ready to provide information to guests who come to see the churches. The traditional Nativity staged for the Christmas season will be on display in each of the churches.
“There is so much history with each church, and it’s been really nice to research and get more information on each one of them,” said Ramona Trevino, a member of the committee.
“For example, the very first St. Patrick’s church was destroyed in a storm just before the pastor arrived, and he took some of the wood from the first building to use as a chapel where Mass was held until they built the new church.”
Ramona is from Galveston and grew up attending Mass faithfully with her family. She has especially enjoyed the exploration of the parish history, which also took her down her personal memory lane.
Rick Whelton, an acolyte with the parish, is looking forward to participating as a docent and answering questions at St. Mary’s. He also looks forward to the possibility of some people exploring the Catholic faith through “showing the churches and promoting the faith.”
“A lot of people will come in wanting to see the churches because of the historic significance, but we also might get some fallen-away Catholics or non-Catholics for whom it might spark an interest in learning more about the faith,” said Whelton.
Whelton grew up attending St. Mary’s Catholic School.
“It has been so exciting and so informative and just a joy learning about the churches we attend,” said Thomasine Allen, who has a long history attending Holy Rosary church.
The tours will be held on Saturday, December 27th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
The churches that will be open for tours are: St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, 2011 Church St.; Holy Rosary, 1420 31st Street; St. Patrick, 3424 Avenue K; Sacred Heart, 1302 Broadway; and the Ursuline Chapel, 1525 25th St.
With the historical churches open for tours accompanied by docents who have lifelong histories in Galveston, the tours promise to be a truly special way to round out the Christmas season.
For more information, call Holy Family Parish office at 409-762-9646.
