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Editor: Bishop, the community of Westphalia recently suffered the loss of their beautiful historic church. How is the parish dealing with their loss?
Bishop Vásquez: The community of Westphalia and Visitation Parish specifically are suffering tremendously the loss of their beloved church. The church burned early in the morning on Monday, July 29. I heard the tragic news of the fire when I received a call from Father Edwin Kagoo, the pastor of Visitation Parish. I immediately drove to Westphalia to be with the people and with Father Kagoo. They were inconsolable and devastated by the loss of their church, which had been such a crucial part of their lives for so many years. This church was built in 1895, and the community in Westphalia has been preparing to celebrate its 125th anniversary, so there is a great deal of history there.
The morning of the fire I was immediately impressed by the strength of this small, tight-knit community. There was a solidarity amongst them even in their suffering and pain. Their faith and trust in God makes them strong. Their faith in one another as a community is remarkable. I ask the prayers of all in the diocese for these people of Westphalia.
Editor: Will the parish in Westphalia remain open?
Bishop Vásquez: Yes, the community, of course, continues. The church building is one thing, the church is another thing. The people are the church. They will continue to celebrate Mass and to offer the sacraments. They will offer religious education for the youth. They will function just as any parish would in the diocese. Their place of worship is gone but the people, the church continues. The church building will indeed be rebuilt.
Editor: How will the diocese help with the rebuilding efforts?
Bishop Vásquez: The Diocese of Austin has established the Church of the Visitation Fund, which will assist the parish with its immediate needs, as well as on-going expenses that the parish will incur as it rebuilds. The church was insured, but as we know, there are many unexpected expenses as well as a large deductible that must be paid. To donate to the fund, visit www.austindiocese.org/church-of-the-visitation-fund or send a check payable to the Diocese of Austin with “Church of the Visitation” in the memo line to Church of the Visitation Fund, Diocese of Austin, 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB, Austin 78723. Many people have already generously donated to the fund, and Father Kagoo and I are so thankful for the kindness and generosity that we have already received.
The diocese will also provide personnel to help with architectural plans when the parish is ready to begin construction. I have also asked Catholic Charities of Central Texas to be available for people who might need counseling during this tragedy. It is important to me that the people of Westphalia know they are not alone, and they are members of the Body of Christ. The entire diocese is with them in prayer and we are here to support them. As St. Paul reminds us when one part of the body suffers, the entire body suffers. Thus we join together to console one another and to offer strength to one another.
Editor: How does this fire impact other historical churches in our diocese?
Bishop Vásquez: As you know, we have many wooden churches in our diocese, and we want to protect them as much as possible. I have asked our diocesan offices to work with our parishes to ensure these buildings are safe.
We are blessed with so many beautiful, historical churches. For instance, the wonderful church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Granger was just recently renovated. It is magnificent, and it speaks of the culture of the Granger community. The diocese wants to be a good steward of these treasured buildings and make sure they are well preserved. In the coming months, these churches will be checked to make sure the integrity of each structure is intact.
We want to make sure these churches have necessary safety features to protect them and the people they serve if a fire does break out. We want to make sure these beautiful churches are safe and secure, so when people come to celebrate the sacraments, they indeed feel safe and secure. One of the most beautiful blessings of the Westphalia tragedy was that no one was hurt or injured. God was indeed watching over and Our Blessed Mother protected the people of Westphalia during the tragedy.
Editor: What is your prayer for the community?
Bishop Vásquez: May God who has protected and cared for the parish of the Church of the Visitation for more than a century continue to strengthen the faith of this community through the sacraments, prayer and love for one another. May they find joy in the assurance that one day they will once again unite in the holy sacrament of the Mass in a new place of worship. May Our Lady of the Visitation continue to lovingly embrace and protect the people of Westphalia.