“Welcome Home”!

It was a long-awaited moment: after a little over one year, Corpus Christi Cathedral was renovated and opened its doors in new splendor. It was a rich and solemn celebration that included the reception of the Bishop into his Cathedral, the consecration of the new altar, and the procession for the Feast of Corpus Christi.
 
A few minutes after 6 pm, Bishop Mario Avilés knocked on the main Cathedral door with his crozier. Bishop Emeritus Michael Mulvey and Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody opened the doors from the inside. In a solemn procession, Bishop Mario Avilés entered the Cathedral and sat on his cathedra, to applause from the faithful.
 
He blessed the water in the new Baptismal Font at the entrance and sprinkled the faithful and the cathedral walls with Holy Water. The solemn Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Word. In his homily, Bishop Mario Avilés said once more, “Welcome home!”, expressing gratitude and joy at returning to the Mother Church of our diocese, “our spiritual home for more than a century.” He added, “Today, as I entered through the doors, I did not come as an administrator, but as a shepherd for you, the beloved people of South Texas.”
 
Highlighting some of the new side chapels, he mentioned Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of our diocese: “This local church went through many challenges, but Our Mother helps us and points us to her Son.” The new chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds everyone of the heart that loves without measure, as the Bishops of the United States will consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11. “Today is a day of gratitude, renewal and hope,” Bishop Avilés concluded.
 
Before the Sacrifice of the Eucharist, the new altar needed to be consecrated. After the Litany of Supplication to the Saints, the Bishop placed three relics into the altar: one of St. Philip Neri, known for his joyful and contagious love for the Eucharist; one of St. José Sánchez del Río, who gave his life for Jesus as a young boy rather than deny his faith; and Blessed Stanley Rother, the first American-born martyr. The altar was anointed with sacred Chrism, and a brazier of incense was placed upon it, accompanied by prayers. For the first time, the altar was vested, and the candles were lit, while flowers adorned the side altars and the tabernacle.

 The solemn celebration of the Eucharist in the packed Church was followed by the procession for the Feast of Corpus Christi. Bishop Mario Avilés brought the consecrated host to the Diocesan monstrance. Accompanied by the altar service with candles and incense, the heavy monstrance was carried to Mother Teresa Shelter, Sacred Heart Church, and the County Jail.
 
The procession began at dusk, and people walked into the night, carrying small electric candles or flashlights. The bishops and priests in their white vestments followed the Most Holy Eucharist; religious, families, teens, and children joined the 1.1-mile procession without tiring. Many people on the streets bowed and paid their respects to the Most Holy Sacrament.
 
At Mother Teresa Shelter, the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament sang a song. A moment of silent adoration followed. In the courtyard of Sacred Heart Parish, Spanish songs welcomed the procession, and a moving moment occurred at the County jail: many inmates approached their windows, reaching out toward the sacrament and the blessing Bishop Avilés bestowed upon them. 

Upon returning to the Cathedral, Benediction and a final blessing followed, marking the end of a day of many graces.