Bishop Vincent M. Harris papers

Vincent Madeley Harris was born October 14, 1913, in Conroe, Texas, to “old time druggist,” George M. Harris, Sr. and Margaret Madeley Harris. He attended Conroe and Houston public schools (where the young Lyndon B. Johnson was his instructor in public speaking), graduating from Sam Houston High School in 1931. Harris then attended seminary at St. Mary’s University in La Porte, Texas until 1933.

Harris won a scholarship to study in Rome, appointed by Monsignor Louis J. Reicher who had founded his family’s church, St. Christopher’s, in Houston and served as Harris’ benefactor and lifelong mentor. In October 1934, Harris accompanied Bishop Christopher Byrne to Rome, where Harris began his studies at the North American College of the Pontifical Gregorian University in the Vatican City. Harris was ordained priest on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 1938, in Rome by Bishop Ralph Hayes.

Then, Harris began his studies in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University, but while visiting home during the summer of 1939, outbreak of war in Europe intervened. Harris received permission to complete his graduate work in canon law at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He received his baccalaureates in theology and canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University, April 15, 1940, and his licentiate in canon law from the Catholic University of America, June 12, 1940.

Monsignor Reicher appointment Harris in September 1940 to the faculty of St. Mary’s University (Seminary) in La Porte. Harris taught canon law and dogmatic theology until 1951. Harris also served as secretary to the Galveston Diocesan Matrimonial Tribunal (1940-1950), and as diocesan director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (1942-1948).

Harris succeeded Monsignor Reicher as chancellor of the Diocese of Galveston in 1948, moved to Galveston in 1951, and served for eighteen years in this position. During this time (1952-1963), Harris also served as notary, diocesan consultor, synodal examiner, and director of the Legion of Decency. From the Diocese of Galveston, with offices in Galveston, the renamed Diocese of Galveston-Houston was created, and a new chancery building of the diocese opened in Houston on August 25, 1963. From 1963 to 1966, Harris served in the offices above with added duties on the Diocesan Administration Council.

On July 4, 1966, Pope Paul VI appointed Monsignor Harris inaugural bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont, created from the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. Consecrated on September 28 installed on the following day as the first bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont, erected the same day. Harris spent five years in that office and is the first native of the Diocese of Galveston elevated to the episcopacy.

On November 29, 1947, Pope Pius XII appointed Monsignor Reicher as the first bishop-ordinary of the new Diocese of Austin, created from the Diocese of Galveston. Bishop Harris was transferred from Beaumont on April 21, 1971, to serve as the first coadjutor bishop of Austin. On June 4, 1971, Harris presented in ceremony to Bishop Reicher and the diocesan consultors the letter of assignment by Pope Paul VI. When Bishop Reicher retired on November 15, 1971, Bishop Harris was installed as the second bishop of Austin on November 16, 1971. Bishop Harris served in Austin until retiring on December 24, 1985.