After the Mexican-American War, the new territory in the state of Texas became the Diocese of Galveston. On September 18, 1874, the Vicariate Apostolic of Brownsville was extracted from the Diocese of Galveston. The newly organized ecclesiastical area encompassed what are now the Dioceses of Brownsville, Corpus Christi, and Laredo. Immaculate Conception Church was designated as the Cathedral. 

The Canon Law defines an apostolic vicariate as "a certain portion of the people of God which has not yet been established as a diocese due to special circumstances and which, to be shepherded, is entrusted to an apostolic vicar or apostolic prefect who governs it in the name of the Supreme Pontiff." (Can 371) This new territory did not have structure and needed priests, community, and order. The aid received was from the Jesuits, the Oblates of Immaculate Mary, and various religious organizations. 

In 2024, the diocese celebrates 150 of the beginnings of the Diocese of Brownsville. Bishop Daniel E. Flores celebrated the Holy Mass on Wednesday, September 18 at 5:30 p.m. 

In 1912, Pope Pius X elevated the Vicariate Apostolic of Brownsville to the Diocese of Corpus Christi. This would continue for 53 years until Pope Paul VI wrote the Apostolic Constitution "Ad Perpetuam Rei Memoriam", establishing the Diocese of Brownsville. On July 10, 1965,  the vicariate was extracted from the Diocese of Corpus Christi with Immaculate Conception Cathedral as the cathedra of the bishop. 

Apostolic Constitution

Read more about our history by clicking on the link below. 

History of our diocese