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February 16, 2023
Today in Texas History
By Bandera Spirits of Texas
On this day in 1927, Arthur Jerome Drossaerts was consecrated as the first archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio in San Fernando de Béxar Cathedral.
Drossaerts was born in Breda, Holland, in 1862. He was ordained in 1889 and travelled to Louisiana the same year. He subsequently served as pastor at New Orleans, Broussard, and Baton Rouge in Louisiana.
In 1918, Drossaerts was consecrated bishop of San Antonio. As bishop, Drossaerts built more than 60 churches and 50 schools, the most significant of which was St. John's Seminary.
When the Diocese of San Antonio was made an archdiocese, Drossaerts became its first archbishop. He continued to build churches and schools and fill speaking engagements. He kept the old Spanish missions alive and went without salary in order to assist poor parishes with expenses.
During his tenure as archbishop, he dedicated about 134 churches and religious buildings. In 1934, Pope Pius XI honored Drossaerts for his aid to those fleeing from religious persecution in Mexico.
For his charitable works he was named assistant at the pontifical throne and papal count. Drossaerts died in 1940.
Drossaerts was born in Breda, Holland, in 1862. He was ordained in 1889 and travelled to Louisiana the same year. He subsequently served as pastor at New Orleans, Broussard, and Baton Rouge in Louisiana.
In 1918, Drossaerts was consecrated bishop of San Antonio. As bishop, Drossaerts built more than 60 churches and 50 schools, the most significant of which was St. John's Seminary.
When the Diocese of San Antonio was made an archdiocese, Drossaerts became its first archbishop. He continued to build churches and schools and fill speaking engagements. He kept the old Spanish missions alive and went without salary in order to assist poor parishes with expenses.
During his tenure as archbishop, he dedicated about 134 churches and religious buildings. In 1934, Pope Pius XI honored Drossaerts for his aid to those fleeing from religious persecution in Mexico.
For his charitable works he was named assistant at the pontifical throne and papal count. Drossaerts died in 1940.