“Love one another as I have loved you.” These words guide the community of Saint Francis Catholic Church. Saint Francis de Paula Catholic Church stands as a beacon of faith and community in San Diego. It is a place of caring and compassionate disciples.
Let’s step back in time to understand the origins of this cherished church. San Diego was settled in the 1840s. The population grew. Father Claude Jaillet saw the need for a Catholic Church. Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis of Galveston, Texas commissioned him. Galveston was the center of the Catholic Church for the entire state of Texas then. Both Bishop Dubuis and Fr. Jaillet were from France. Bishop Dubuis recruited the first clergy for Texas from France.
In 1867, Father Jaillet built the first chapel. He had arrived in New York City then proceeded to Galveston in 1866. He was appointed to serve the community of San Diego. Father Jaillet only spoke French. He rode into his new home on a borrowed horse and saddle. He raised $700 to build the first church. Father Jaillet spent much time on horseback. He was a missionary in the San Diego area. He became known as the “saddlebag priest of the Nueces”.
Father Jaillet was transferred in 1884. He helped develop the Catholic Church in Corpus Christi. Father Pierre Bard came to San Diego. He was also from France. He served the growing parish and surrounding missions.
Father Bard collected funds. He built the present-day Saint Francis Catholic Church in 1908. The church was dedicated in 1909. The magnificent interior reminds us of South Texas’ Hispanic roots. The current pastor is restoring it. Saint Francis de Paula is central to life in San Diego. It is a focal point in times of joy and sorrow.
Today Saint Francis Catholic Church continues its mission. It is continually informed in Word and Sacrament. The church commits itself to the New Evangelization. Nourished by the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, its members do corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Saint Francis Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith. It embodies community spirit and enduring history in San Diego.