Cris Thompson
Members of the Robson Catholic Community (RRCC) participated in a Jubilee Pilgrimage to St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth on May 14. Chief of Staff Edward Smith gave the group an in-depth tour of the church’s beautiful architecture and religious treasures. The original small, wooden church, built on Throckmorton Street in 1876, was called St. Stanislaus Kostka and was Fort Worth’s first Catholic parish. The growing population of Irish immigrants who came to work for the railroad led to the need for a larger building. Construction began in 1888, and St. Patrick Church was dedicated in 1892. In 1953 the church became a co-cathedral of the Diocese of Dallas-Fort Worth, subsequently becoming a cathedral when the Diocese of Fort Worth was established in 1969. The church, along with nearby St. Ignatius Academy, are listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and as Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks.
The church was built in the Gothic Revival architectural style by the French-born pastor Father Jean Marie Guyot. Later, Monsignor Grundy O’Donohoe made many changes to add a Baroque quality to the building’s interior. The large columns are made of solid granite, which were shaped by horse-drawn lathes. The pews in the side aisles were originally used in the old, wooden church. Vibrant stained-glass windows fill the walls with portraits of saints and are a mix of original (1892) and replacements. The intricate Gothic style Stations of the Cross were each carved from one piece of wood and were installed in 1928. Colorful statues of saints are situated throughout. There is a Byzantine-style Russian icon above the Marian altar and the St. Joseph altar. Monsignor Grundy O’Donohoe had a crypt with a chapel built under the church in 1945 where the remains of Father Jean Marie Guyot are buried. The (very low-ceilinged) basement also contains a collection of sacred objects, including many reliquaries with saints’ relics and vintage vestments. Each visitor received a copy of the book Cathedral Treasures, by Kathryn Fialho, containing descriptions and stunning photos of many of the works of art. The group tour was followed by Mass and lunch at Seven Mile Café.
Earlier in the month, the annual Spring Social was held on the patio of the Grill. It was a beautiful, balmy, spring evening, filled with good food and conversation.
The RRCC had a showing of the movie For Greater Glory on June 9 in the clubhouse. The film is a historical drama about the Cristero War, a widespread rebellion in Mexico against the suppression of Catholicism by the government, and the martyrdom of 13-year-old José Luis Sánchez del Río.
The Catholic Community welcomes all Robson Ranch residents to attend our events. RRCC activities include a book club, potluck dinners, field trips, and supporting Our Daily Bread ministry. For more information, please contact Joan Bridges at bridges84@msn.com.