Church and State Unite to Honor Del Rio's Sacred History at 350th Anniversary of First Mass in Texas
- Stevie Quilo
- May 25
- 4 min read
Del Rio was honored to welcome Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, as main celebrant at the San Felipe Springs Golf Course on May 16, 2025, delivering an inspired homily rich with history and reverence. In 1675, a pivotal moment in Texas religious history took place right here along the San Felipe Creek, the first recorded holy Eucharist Communion and Catholic Mass in Texas. 350 years later, to the day, this historic mass was commemorated with a special service brought together by church and state, connecting past and present.
The Knights of Columbus San Felipe Council 2687, Assembly 1965, escorted the Archbishop to and from the altar, with silver swords, pastoral staff crozier, and all. The golf course was beautifully adorned, and the sun was shining full in the sky. Despite the heat, everyone was excited to be gathered together outdoors in unity. Guests brought out their umbrellas, staff distributed fans, and the religious leaders were protected by shaded canopies. Golf cart caravans escorted guests from the front entrance to a dedicated ceremony site farther down the green. The men's choir from St. Joseph provided live music.
Multiple religious leaders took turns at the altar, a few referenced the story of Galilee. The primary lesson of Galilee, particularly the Sea of Galilee, is about God's power to transform despair into hope and bring redemption and purpose to even the most difficult situations. Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller said, in a mix of Spanish and English language: “Just think of those missionaries who were here 350 years ago. It’s a reminder that God is with us, as he was with them then, and will be with us into the future…”
Archbishop illuminated that it was the missionaries, and the spread of Christian faith, that redeemed Galilee. He tied the important work of missionaries in Galilee, to the story of missionaries who preached along the San Felipe Creek. He reminded Del Rio to stay connected to those who came before, honor their legacy, and appreciate their sacrifice and gift of the gospel. Archbishop said: “425 warriors, 747 women, boys, and girls of all ages, making it all 1172 persons 350 years ago… It's amazing the gospel today that we have heard many times, 1111 disciples went to Galilee to the mountain, and Jesus approached and said to them, ‘all power in heaven and on earth has been given to me’, vaya vaya vaya!”
Discussions of “real peace, justice, truth, and hope” were had. Archbishop quoted the newly inducted Pope Leo, saying missionaries were peace makers, people of justice. He spoke of the beginnings of faith, saying, “those times, they were not easy, different tribes, groups… the weather, the sun, the elements.” Archbishop said, “The gospel we have heard tells us, ‘Make disciples of all nations, I am with you always…’ is the same command that steered the hearts of those early explorers who yearned for the wilderness of south-central Texas, raising crossing, offering mass, and baptizing with hope…”
Michael Diaz, Executive Director at Whitehead Memorial Museum, also prepared a moving speech for the ceremony. Diaz’s speech highlighted historical figures and their cultural influences. He said, “the historic Mass held near San Felipe Creek serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the early Spanish missionaries, soldiers, and indigenous peoples who came together at this significant crossroads in history.”
Parish councils, ministries, and staff of St. Joseph, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sacred Heart Church and School, St. Francis Community (Laughlin Air Force Base), and The City of Del Rio all helped to facilitate the event. The mayor made a proclamation, and the golf course staff helped shuttle visitors. The collaborative efforts between church and state in 2025 was reminiscent of the historic mass celebrated 350 years ago. Diaz said the mass in 1675 was a collaborative effort: “Among those instrumental in this significant event were two key figures: Fernando del Bosque, a soldier and explorer and Fray Juan Larios, a Franciscan missionary. Their combined efforts, under the auspices of the Spanish Crown, created the conditions for this groundbreaking event.”
A pamphlet was distributed to all attendees, providing the historical context: “This important moment in Texas history occurred as part of a Spanish missionary journey to explore and evangelize the interior of what was then northern New Spain. The Mass, offered by Franciscan missionaries accompanying the expedition, marked the beginning of the Catholic presence in the region. A commemorative sign now stands at San Felipe Springs to honor this sacred milestone and the legacy of those early missionaries.”
Diaz’s speech deepened the discussion of the explorers' expedition: “Fray Juan Larios was no ordinary missionary; he was part of a broader effort to establish spiritual and religious foundations in what was then the frontier of New Spain. Larios’ role in this Mass was both religious and diplomatic, as he sought to make contact with and convert indigenous groups in the area.”
The San Felipe Creek served as a sacred place for intercultural communion. Diaz said, “Three and a half centuries ago, this land was wild and open, with no towns or churches—just the rolling hills, wide skies, and the life-giving waters of San Felipe Creek… The location of this first Mass, the San Felipe Creek, was more than just a convenient site. The creek provided essential water to both the settlers and the indigenous peoples of the region, marking the area as a central lifeline for life in this rugged landscape… The ceremony was not only a religious service but also a moment of cultural exchange, a blending of Spanish, indigenous, and Christian traditions that would shape the history of the region for centuries.”
Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller concluded, “that sacred moment, when the eucharist was first lifted in thanksgiving, marked the beginning of a living legacy, the presence of a recent Christ in this land.” He thanked the people of God, because they “carry the good news, that good news is still sounding, sounding love today… This legacy is not ours to admire from afar, but to joyfully carry forward.” He resounded the responsibility of people of faith today, to continue spreading the word, to “carry on the message… be the new generation of hope.” Archbishop called out to the congregation “La Iglesia Esta…” and the congregation cheered back… “VIVA!”
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