Catholic Diocese of Brownsville marks 60 years, reflects on its growth

SAN JUAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville held a special mass Wednesday evening at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan, celebrating 60 years since its establishment.

Although the Catholic faith was very much present across the Rio Grande Valley in the 60s, it wasn't until 1965 when Pope Paul VI established the Diocese of Brownsville, separating it from the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

"The growth of the population, the growth of the cities, and so that's kind of, we're sort of celebrating," said Bishop Daniel Flores. "The fact that we've come a long way, that the church wants to continue to be a major force for good in the community, especially in spreading a sense of of common purpose and of a sense of unity and sort of helping our families to transmit that sense of the faith, which I think has been very crucial to the whole development of the Valley."

Bishop Flores added that they will continue pushing the importance of education and perseverance among their parishioners and families.