Immaculate Conception Cathedral, in Brownsville, first dedicated in 1859, four years after Blessed Pope Pius IX defined the doctrine of our Lady immaculately conceived, received a newly consecrated altar and renovated sanctuary last evening on the feast of our Lady of Sorrows. The founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Saint Eugene de Mazenod, was present in Rome when the dogma was defined, and shortly thereafter sent the first Oblates to the Rio Grande Valley. Saint Eugene's relics were deposited in the altar during the dedication ceremony.
A fire in 1970 destroyed the original French Gothic sanctuary. The renovation sought to restore the architectural and artistic integrity of the sanctuary, while allowing for the adaptations needed for the Church's liturgical practice.
The Blessed Sacrament was restored to the raredos at the high altar. The Bishop's chair was placed to the side.
The pulpit and chair were acquired from France. Both reflect a French Gothic style in keeping with the original architectural inspiration of the Church.
The litany of the Saints was sung as part of the dedication rite.
The relics of Saint Eugene were deposited and sealed in the altar.
After the prayer of dedication, I annointed the altar upon which the sacrifice would be offered. The offering of the Mass on the altar for the first time is the principal act by which the altar is consecrated.
The image of Our Lady Immaculately Conceived overlooks the sanctuary. As I noted in the homily, Our Lady Immaculate received the privilege of conception without sin in anticipation of the merits of Christ. And this grace is a singular expression of the grace we all receive at baptism, flowing from the merits of Christ. Mary's fullness of grace associated her in the most intimate way to her Son, and led her to the foot of the Cross, where she willingly gave to the Father the Son He had given her. Such is the mystery of Our Lady of Sorrows. So also the Church, the assembly of the baptized, come to this altar to associate themselves by grace to the Christ who offers Himself to the Father on our behalf. We too make an offering, for Christ Jesus is ours also, as He was Mary's. We give to the Father the Redeemer-Brother that the Father has gjven us. In doing so we give Him ourselves. In this way, Father gives us Life.
Durante el sermón, le dije a la gente, que si me muero mañana, y un reportero llega a preguntarles ¿y qué hizo el obispo durante su vida?, les doy permiso decirle: Pues, no sé. Sólo recuerdo que quitó su silla de en medio, y puso el Santísimo al centro del santuario.
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