Immaculate Conception
Concepcion, Texas

by Homero Vera

The Immaculate Conception Church in Concepcion, Texas is one of the oldest Catholic churches in South Texas. When the french priest, Father Claude Jaillet, was assigned to San Diego in 1866, Concepcion was one of his missions. Father Jaillet would ride horseback to Concepcion to offer the working ranchers and their families mass and the sacraments of the church.

In 1879, Father Jaillet and Bishop Manucy made an inspection of the area. In Concepcion they blessed the new chapel that had been built. Concepcion was the only mission of over 200 missions and ranches visited that had built a chapel.

On April 20th, 1947 the present church was built.

Other priests that were assigned to the Immaculate Conception were the Franciscans from nearby Hebbronville, led by Father Solano. They served up until the mid 1960 s. The Parish of Saint Theresa in Premont took over in 1967 when the Spanish Priest, Father Alejandro Rojas was assigned to the mission.

Since 1972, the following Capuchin Priests served, Father Pedro Azcoitia 1972-1973, Father Gregorio Goicochea 1973-1987, Father Jesus Mendoza and Father Juan Cruz Gaston 1987-1988.

In 1988, the Polish priests, Father Wojciech Kosowicz, Father Bruno Mikolajczyk, Father Chris Bauta and Father Zenon Konowalek served until 1994.

In 1994, Father Andrés Ekomo and Father Luis F. Iglesias served until 1995.

In 1995, Father Jose Almazan and Deacon Raul Hinojosa took over the mission.

In 1996, the Immaculate Conception was shutdown as a full time church due to a shortage of priests in the area. At that time, special services such as weddings and funerals were still celebrated.

In 2000, Father Banda was assigned to the St. Theresa's Missions. May Father Banda keep this century old heritage of our ancestors alive.

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