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.
In May of 1946, Fr. Malcolm LaVelle, CP, secured their first Passionist residence in Houston. Soon after, Fathers Aloysius Dowling, CP; George Jungles, CP; and Bartholomew Adler, CP, settled into a modest six-room bungalow.
This first property in Houston was not adequate for gathering retreatants, it served only as a residence for the small Passionist community. Thought was immediately given to the possibility of finding a property which would allow for the community’s ministry of retreats.
Come away by yourself
[EDIT] At the start of 1947, the province purchased 20 acres of wooded land on Bunker Hill Road; its existing residence could serve as a community residence and host retreats for just a small number of retreatants. At the same time, plans were underway to construct an all-new retreat house with a section dedicated to house the community of Passionists.
In 1953, the province realized its wish to be able to invite a greater number of persons to experience the invitation of Jesus — “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while,” -Mark 6:31 (NABRE). This first section of the new retreat center was dedicated with more than 400 persons in attendance. The new building had 37 rooms for retreatants, and a wing for the community residence. In 1969, an expansion added 38 more rooms, a much larger chapel, and office space.
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
In 1980, more meeting spaces, offices and a separate residence building for the community were added. The residence for the sisters who worked at the retreat center was also remodeled.
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.