Brownsville in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2018
1. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate Marker
This Catholic order was founded in 1816 in France by Bishop Eugene De Mazonod. They came to Brownsville at the request of local citizens and held their first mass on December 8, 1849 on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception hence the name of the future church. The Oblates were entrusted with a territory that stretched from Brownsville to San Ignacio, a distance of some two hundred miles. This harsh country, that could only be traversed by horse, led to the Oblates being known as the “Calvary of Christ.” Despite the loss of eight members to yellow fever, the burning of Brownsville by Confederates, and devastating hurricanes, the Oblates’ devotion to their mission could not be broken. The hardships they endured caused the order’s founder to exclaim “those cruel missions of Texas!” The Oblates have gone far beyond their responsibilities as priests. They have been builders of churches, founders of schools, and have always remained pillars of community spirit and strength. Their never ending concern for the people they serve is expressed in their motto “To preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me.” Bishop Mazonod was canonized in 1995.
Erected by City of Brownsville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work
this page online
Location. 25° 54.142′ N, 97° 29.737′ W. Marker is in Brownsville, Texas, in Cameron County. Marker is on East Jefferson Street south of East 12th Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Office building, just to the right of the front entrance, facing East Jefferson Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1218 East Jefferson Street, Brownsville TX 78520, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. La Catedral del la Inmaculada Concepcion (within shouting distance of this marker); Father Pierre Yves Keralum (within shouting distance of this marker); Immaculate Conception Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Immaculate Conception Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Immaculate Conception Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); 1882 Cameron County Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old County Courthouse Rio Grande Lodge No. 81
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2018
2. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate Marker (tall view)
More about this marker. Marker is in the Brownsville Heritage Trail series.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Also see . . .
1. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Texas State Historical Association website entry:
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, founded in France in 1816 by Blessed Eugene de Mazenod, quickly became a mission-sending society of priests and brothers. The Texas mission began in 1849 with five Oblates; by 1883, forty-one had served. They established schools in Galveston (1855) and Brownsville (1865), but their principal ministry was circuit-riding, by which they served briefly in East Texas (1853–55) and from 1849 onwards in South Texas. (Submitted on June 28, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. St. Eugene de Mazenod. OMI World website entry (Submitted on April 10, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2018
3. Immaculate Conception Cathedral Office (marker visible just right of door)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 410 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on July 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 28, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
