The diocese of Galveston presents a great field for missionary labor.
Its Negro population, aggregating a quarter of a million, knows almost
nothing of the saving truths of Catholicity. The five hundred colored
Catholics within the limits of the diocese are scattered here and there
and are thus unable, as a body, to possess or exert any influence over
their brethren. A church has been erected for the colored people, two
schools have been opened, an orphanage founded, while two priests have
volunteered their services for the good work. This is a good beginning.
“The laudable work in behalf of the colored people in this diocese
still goes on,” writes Bishop Gallagher, “and with fair success,
notwithstanding the many obstacles to be met with, and the constant
opposition of many ill-disposed toward our Holy Faith, especially the
colored ministers, who in various ways strive to keep the colored people
from our churches, and the colored children from our schools. The white
people, in general, manifest little interest in our efforts to benefit
the colored race; and even Catholics give little aid or encouragement
to this good work. It seems evident, therefore, that the conversion of
the colored people here, under ordinary circumstances, will be a work of
time. The colored Catholics, being mixed with Protestants and surrounded
by them, need a great deal of fortitude to withstand the evil influences
about them. But in time, with the blessing of God, under the protection
of our Blessed Lady of the Rosary, we hope to see the colored people
coming into the true fold in large numbers. I feel sure that earnest
prayer and zealous labor now will bring success later. To carry out the
various projects we propose to realize during the coming year, we shall
need $1,691.73 to pay the debt on Holy Rosary Church, Galveston, and
on St. Nicholas School, Houston. We also need $800 to meet the current
expenses of this Church and School. An addition to this, the priest’s
house attached to this Church is badly needed. This improvement would
cost $1,000. We would like to build a school-house for colored children
at Austin. This building could be built for $1,200. To continue the
work going on and to pay our debts, I request the usual allowance for
Galveston. A short while ago I administered the Sacrament of Confirmation
to seventeen colored people; this indicates about the results of our
efforts here in Galveston in the work of evangelizing the Negroes.”