19th Century research collection

After gaining independence from Mexico, there were few functioning Catholic Churches in the Republic of Texas due to a withdrawal of Mexican diocesan priests. At the time, San Fernando Church in San Antonio was the only active parish north of the Nueces River. The Vatican cautiously debated the idea of establishing a diocese for the Republic of Texas due to ongoing political and military tensions with Mexico. However, Catholics in Texas soon voiced concerns over the lack of active parishes and organized efforts to establish a diocese.

In 1838, Pope Gregory XVI authorized Archbishop Antoine Blanc of New Orleans, the closest prelate, to send priests to Texas. Father John Timon was selected as Prefect of Texas to head the task of overseeing missionary priests and to document statewide conditions. Many of the young priests and seminarians hailed from France under the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) or Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate orders. These men would become known as saddlebag priests as they would travel several hundred miles throughout the state to serve Catholics in the frontier.

To assist with securing land deeds of existing parishes (previously owned by Mexican dioceses) Timon appointed Father Jean-Marie Odin, C.M. as Vicar Apostolic of Texas. Odin also oversaw calls for volunteer priests and traveled across the state to celebrate Mass.

In 1847, the Diocese of Galveston was established as the first diocese in Texas, and Odin was installed as its first bishop. New parishes, schools, hospitals, and religious orders were established throughout the state under Odin's leadership. Today, many Catholic institutions can trace their origins to the 19th-century volunteer priests and Odin.