Location: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church-Marion
Today, we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in the life of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church – its 70th anniversary. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this church, first envisioned in early 1952 as a mission church for Our Lady of Guadalupe in Seguin, stands as a testament to the unwavering faith and dedication of the Marion community. From its construction in 1953 – with the labor of many families – and its dedication on May 30, 1954, to this day, this community has been a beacon of faith, hope, and love. Just as the Israelites journeyed through the desert, experiencing both challenges and divine providence, so too has this church experienced the providential care of God throughout the decades.
As God provided manna from heaven to sustain His people during their journey, He has nourished this community with His grace and providence.
The manna was more than mere sustenance; it was a sign of God’s unwavering presence and care, even amidst trials and uncertainties. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church has been a place where we have encountered God’s providence through the sacraments, the Word, and our communal life.
The theme of divine providence and sustenance continues in the Gospel of John, where Jesus declares Himself the Bread of Life. He invites us to seek not just the bread that perishes but the bread that endures to eternal life. This call challenges us to look beyond our material needs and recognize our deeper spiritual hunger for truth, love, and eternal life. This truth has been the cornerstone of this church’s mission, guiding generations to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist as the source and summit of our Christian life. In this holy place, many have encountered Jesus, the true Bread of Life, who satisfies our deepest longings.
Saint Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, encourages us to put-off the old self and embrace the new life in Christ. Immaculate Conception Church has been a sanctuary where countless individuals have experienced this transformation, where the sacraments have nourished us, and the teachings of Christ have guided us. It is a place where we have learned to live not as the world lives, but as new creations in Christ, embodying justice, holiness, and truth.
Long before becoming the Mother of God, Mary was preserved and prepared by God to serve the Creator and creation. As Pope Francis has said, “we sinners have also received an initial gift that has filled our lives, a good greater than anything else: we have received an original grace. We talk a lot about original sin, but we have also received an original grace, of which often we are unaware. What is it, this original grace? It is what we received on the day of our Baptism, which is why it is good for us to remember, and even celebrate it!”
As we celebrate this anniversary, we give thanks for our Baptism, which makes us members of the Church and enables us to belong to this community to serve God and his people. We also express our gratitude for the rich history of Immaculate Conception Church and the faithful witness of those who have gone before us. We thank God for the pastors who have guided this community of faith, from Fr. Aloys Hepp, MSF, to Fr. Octavio Muguerza. Let us continue to build on this legacy, committed to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel and serving those in need, rooted in the Eucharist and the Word of God.
May Our Lady of Guadalupe, our Immaculate Mother, always help us seek the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, who sustains us with His grace and leads us to the fullness of life. As we move forward, may this church remain a place where all who enter find nourishment for their souls and a welcoming community of faith.
