Our History

The Catholic Cemetery is a tradition that dates to the very beginning of Christianity, when the Church recognized the burial and care of her deceased faithful as a religious act. Those who live and worship together choose to be buried together and express a communion of faith not broken by death. In keeping with this tradition the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston administers five cemeteries for burial of the faithful.

Old Catholic Cemetery, Ave K., Galveston, TX, was founded on February 15, 1845, when the fathers of the Republic of Texas deeded two and a fourth acres to Bishop John M. Odin, C. M., the first ordinary of the Diocese. The first burial took place in 1856. Galveston founding father Colonel Michel B. Minard is buried here, as is Galveston’s first practicing physician, Dr. Nicholas D. Labadie. Dr. Labadie treated Texan and Mexican wounded at San Jacinto and served as the interpreter for the surrender of General Santa Anna.

Saint Vincent’s Cemetery, 2504 Navigation in Houston, was consecrated in 1852. It is the burial place of San Jacinto hero Samuel Paschal, as well as Dick Dowling, the valiant lieutenant at the battle of Sabine Pass. In 1927 Count De Mankowsky of Poland was the last person to be buried at Saint Vincent’s.

Calvary Cemetery, 2506 65th Street in Galveston, was consecrated in 1883. Bishop Christopher E. Bryne, fourth ordinary of the Diocese is buried among his brother priests on the cemetery’s priest circle. Valentine T. Dalton, a War of 1812 veteran, was buried here in 1885. He was 103 years old.

Holy Cross Cemetery, 3502 North Main in Houston, was founded in 1904 by Church of the Annunciation pastor Father Thomas Hennessy. Father Hennessy, Father Augustine de San Damiano D’Asti, O.S.F., and other priests are interred beneath the altar area of Holy Cross Mausoleum. The mausoleum is also the final resting place of Bishop Wendelin J. Nold, fifth ordinary of the Diocese, and Bishop John L. Morkovsky, sixth ordinary.

Mount Olivet Cemetery, IH 45 South at Hughes Road in Dickinson, was consecrated in 1953 to serve both the Galveston and Harris County communities. It encompasses 108 beautifully landscaped acres graced with verdant shrubs and evergreens. All features on this exquisite property peacefully look inward toward the Altar Circle, the physical and spiritual center of the cemetery. Archdiocesan priests may choose to be buried within this circle.