Listen closely to a tale of faith. It blossomed in the heart of Houston’s Magnolia Park. We are standing before the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. This church stands as a beacon of hope and community. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Mexican American community.
In 1925, Mexican Americans seeking to celebrate Mass had limited options. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church was the only Catholic Church in Houston that offered Mass in Spanish. Father Anastascio Perez an assistant at Our Lady of Guadalupe recognized a need. He began holding religious services for Mexican Americans in Magnolia Park in June 1925.
The first Mass was a humble affair. It was celebrated on December 6 1925. The venue was a two story home. Emilio Aranda owned the building at 71st and Navigation. This marked the beginning of the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish.
The Aranda home served as a temporary chapel. The community worked tirelessly to raise funds. They envisioned a dedicated place of worship. Their dream became a reality on November 8 1926. A two story building became the new church. The second floor served as the pastor’s residence. It also housed the school starting in 1929.
Father Francisco Balzola succeeded Father Perez in 1928. He recognized the need for a larger church. He built a rectory and enlarged the church. He even bought a wooden two room building for the school.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary School opened in 1929. The Sisters of Divine Providence administered the educational program. Sadly the school closed in 1932. Father Jose Aspiazu became the third pastor in 1934. He launched a campaign to raise money for a new church. He added to the rectory and built the first convent. He also reopened the school.
In 1936 the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus took over the school. In 1945, the school moved to a two story brick building. It served students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The school provided Catholic education to a primarily Hispanic population.
Father Nicholas Diez became pastor. He dreamed of a magnificent temple in Magnolia Park. Father Cuevas returned as pastor. Plans for the new church took shape under his direction.
Bishop Wendelin J. Nold dedicated the present Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. The dedication occurred on January 29 1950. A long held dream had finally become a reality. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church stands today. It is a testament to the faith and perseverance of a community. This is a place where faith hope and community intertwine. Remember the story of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.