Diocese of Austin Historical Marker
historical marker
The Diocese of Austin was established on November 15, 1947, by a decree from Pope Pius XII. It was formed from territories previously part of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, the Diocese of Galveston, and the Diocese of Dallas. Louis J. Reicher was appointed as the first Bishop of Austin. Upon the diocese's formation, St. Mary's Church in Austin was elevated to St. Mary's Cathedral. The original St. Patrick's Church in Austin was built in 1852, renamed St. Mary's in 1866, and the current cathedral building was completed in 1884. During his 23-year tenure, Bishop Reicher oversaw the construction or remodeling of approximately 260 buildings. He also established the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and the Diocesan Committee on Human Rights. By 2008, the Diocese of Austin included 125 parishes across 25 counties. This historical marker, recognizing the Diocese of Austin, was erected in 2008 by the Texas Historical Commission in Austin, Travis County. The diocese continues to serve the spiritual, educational, health, and social needs of Central Texas residents.