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St. Ignatius, Martyr

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Is it possible for a church to be born twice? This, my friends, is St. Ignatius, Martyr Catholic Church. It stands before us, a testament to faith and resilience. Its story started modestly in 1937, a humble beginning for the first Catholic church south of the river. Imagine celebrating Christmas Mass in a funeral home on South Congress! That’s how St. Ignatius, Martyr, began. The congregation soon outgrew the funeral home and moved to an old house on West Johanna Street. A new building was erected, accommodating 250 families. The Holy Cross Sisters established a school in the church basement, their convent being the former rectory. Picture Father Duffy, the church’s founder, living in a simple storage room! By 1947, the Diocese of Austin was established, and St. Ignatius, Martyr, witnessed astounding growth. A larger space was needed, leading to the purchase of land near Congress and Oltorf, where we stand today. A new school and convent were built in 1955, parishioners themselves lending a hand in the construction. Finally, in 1965, the current church building was completed, dedicated a year later. St. Ignatius, Martyr, now a beacon of faith, continues to serve its community, its history a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.

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