From January 2022 through Pentecost 2023, we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first Spiritan province in the U.S.


Special Masses, galas, pilgrimages, parish celebrations, and more events are being held across the country, including a sold-out special gala at Duquesne University on April 6, 2022 (rescheduled from February 3). 

In the Winter 2021 issue of One Heart, One Spirit, we shared the early work of the U.S. Spiritans in Pittsburgh.
 
In this issue, we’ll turn our attention to a brief history of the Spiritans in Houston, where they celebrated in 2020 their 50th anniversary. 

In 1970, the USA West Province moved their college formation program from Denver to San Antonio. Fr. John Moran corresponded with Fr. Joseph Fiorenza about locating a house of Spiritan studies near the University of St. Thomas in Houston. 

Fr. George Harcar, then-provincial, alerted Bishop John Morkovsky that the Spiritans had decided to send candidates to pursue studies at the University of St. Thomas, and the Bishop indicated that the Spiritans were welcome to establish a house of study in Houston.

The Basilians welcomed the Spiritans to reside on two campus buildings south of the Dougherty Library. In 1972, the college formation moved to a former women’s dormitory, which was later purchased and razed by the Spiritans in order to construct Holy Ghost Hall. 

During the 1970s, Spiritans such as Fr. Tom Byrne served in various ministries including the thriving Marriage Encounter, and as Vocations Director; Fr. Roger Duffy served as Chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital; Fr. Phil Evanstock focused on developing the Catholic Charismatic movement.

In the 1980s, Fr. Michael White taught at St. Pius V High School with ministry at the parish of San Juan de los Lagos; Fr. George Harcar, former Dean of Education at Duquesne University and Fr. Jim White, served in ministry from Holy Ghost Hall. Fr. Tom Byrne began teaching Pastoral Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary.

In the 1990s, Spiritans ministered to St. Francis of Assisi Parish. In 1992, the Provincialate moved from San Antonio to Houston under Fr. Don Nesti. Br. Michael Suazo served as Vocation Director; and Fr. Lance Bliven was assigned as Director of Formation at Holy Ghost Hall. 

Lay Spiritans Peter and Judy Stubbs, followed by Mike and Kathy Latino, served as property managers at Holy Ghost Hall, which was later sold in 2013. The Spiritans ministered to Saints Peter & Paul Parish, Bellville, and St. Mary’s Parish, Plantersville.

In 1994, Fr. Don Nesti established the Center for Faith & Culture at the University of St. Thomas, and Spiritan ministry to St. Philip Neri Parish was renewed.

In 1995, under the leadership of Fr. Don Nesti as provincial, the first Vietnamese candidates made their profession, which led to the eventual ordination of Frs. Binh Quach (pictured above at his oblation), Huy Dinh, and Andy Do. The property at 1700 West Alabama was purchased for housing and space for the provincial office. 

In 1998, the Spiritans assumed responsibility for St. Benedict the Abbott, which they continue to this day.

In the 2000s, Fr. Michael Grey taught at Rice University. Frs. Michael White, Michael Grey, Joe Gaglione, and Dan Walsh served as provincials and/or administrators.

In 2009, the USA East and USA West Provinces merged, with headquarters in Bethel Park, PA. The former Western Province Superior House on West Alabama was retained for future use.  

In the 2010s, Fr. Michael Begley moved from Ireland to Houston to re-establish the dormant Spiritan mission advancement program at 1700 West Alabama, which then became the Spiritan Office for Mission Advancement (SOMA). With SOMA came a renewed focus on outreach to international Spiritan confreres, responding to their needs for financial assistance in mission projects.

Mr. Ray Sylvester joined Fr. Begley at SOMA to develop the province website, social media, and assist with mission project coordination.

In 2014, Fr. Paul Hoang was ordained by Archbishop Joseph Everard Harris at St. Benedict the Abbott.

A successful fundraising dinner was held in Houston to support the Spiritan House in Manila. 

In 2016, Fr. Michael Begley returned to the Irish province, with Fr. Dave Cottingham appointed Director of SOMA, joined by Fr. Michael Grey.

In 2018, Fr. Binh Quach was named director of the Nesti Center for Faith & Culture at University of St. Thomas, following Fr. Don Nesti’s retirement.Fundraising dinners for Vietnam formation and building were held in Houston and Arlington, Texas.

With Fr. Dave Cottingham assigned to St. Edward in Baltimore, Mr. John Gillespie joined SOMA as Director, with Fr. Michael Grey serving as development officer and Mr. Ray Sylvester as grants coordinator. 

In 2020, Vocation Director Fr. Honest Munishi relocated from Bethel Park to Houston in an effort to more closely collaborate with SOMA.

During these 50 years, the Catholic population in greater Houston increased from 300,000 to 1.7 million.