Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church
Weslaco, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1921, Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church was established as a mission parish of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Mercedes, which had previously ministered to area Catholics. The church became a full parish in 1929. From 1940 to 1968, the church operated a parochial school which educated a multitude of students, many of whom became noted professionals. The church has formed a number of other organizations, through which the congregation has ministered to the needy. In addition, the church organized the St. Pius X and San Martin de Porres churches. Today, the church continues to be a leading Catholic institution in South Texas. (2008)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Saint Joan of Arc began in 1921 as a mission of Mercedes' Our Lady of Mercy, tending to the Catholic families of the fast-growing lower Rio Grande Valley. It became a full parish in 1929 and, from 1940 to 1968, ran a parochial school that launched many students into professional life. The parish went on to seed other congregations and outreach ministries across the region.
Why it matters
The church reflects the deep Catholic roots of South Texas and the role of parish schools in opening doors for Mexican American families in the 20th-century Valley.
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
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After a land company donated ground in 1908, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church was dedicated on Hidalgo Street in 1909, gaining its first resident pastor in 1912 and, in 1922, a new brick church under Father Ivor Gourmelen. From 1915 to 1961 the Sisters of Mercy ran a parochial school, and the parish became the mother church for seven other congregations while fostering a dozen missions across Hidalgo and Cameron counties. It stood at the center of Catholic life in the Mercedes area.
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