A vibrant source of spiritual renewal since 1946
From humble beginnings, the Passionists in Texas have become a vibrant source of spiritual renewal for clergy, laity and parish communities across the region.
Current ministries
Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center
Houston, TX
Father Cedric Ministries
Houston, TX
A rich local history
In 1946, the fourth bishop of Galveston-Houston, Bishop Christopher Byrne, invited the Passionist Fathers and Brothers to come to the diocese to establish a retreat center.
On May 14, 1946, the Feast of St. Gemma, Fr. Malcolm LaVell, CP, secured their first residence in Houston. Soon after, Fathers Aloysius Dowling, CP; George Jungles, CP; and Bartholomew Adler, CP, settled into a modest six-room bungalow.
In the early years, Holy Name Retreat Center limited retreats to men as the retreats were conducted in the Passionist’s own residence.
Come away by yourself
Later in 1953, in order to invite more people to experience Jesus’ call to — “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while,” -Mark 6:31 (NABRE) — the first expansion of the retreat center was dedicated with over four hundred in attendance. Further rooms, chapel, and dining hall were added in the following years.
In early 1947, the community purchased 20 acres of wooded land on Bunker Hill Road to establish a permanent home and retreat center. By 1953, the first retreat was held in a new facility with 37 private rooms, later expanded to 65 by 1967.
Growing in size and spirit
The ministry grew not just in size but in spirit. Retreats became a team effort, led by priests, deacons and sisters. The Retreat Center also opened its doors to recovering alcoholics for weekly meetings and 12-Step retreats, a tradition that continues today. Come away by yourself
Further expansions in 1980 added meeting spaces, offices and improved living quarters for the sisters and Passionists.
From Houston and beyond
From humble beginnings, the Passionists in Texas have become a vibrant source of spiritual renewal for clergy, laity and parish communities across the region and beyond.
Today, over 6,000 people annually experience spiritual renewal through retreats, days of reflection and other gatherings at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center, while audiences from around the country and the world can experience the multi-media preachings of Fr. Cedric Ministries.