Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza, the long-time bishop of Galveston-Houston and a tireless social justice advocate throughout his priesthood, episcopacy and in retirement, died September 19, 2022. He was 91.

The Beaumont native served as bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston from 1985 to 2006 and was made Archbishop in 2004, when the diocese was elevated to the status of archdiocese by St. Pope John Paul II.

“Archbishop Fiorenza was known to be a champion of civil rights and a tireless worker in overcoming the presence of racism in our community. He was also known as a great promoter of genuine renewal in the Church, and in making the teachings of the Second Vatican Council known,” said Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston.

Cardinal DiNardo succeeded Archbishop Fiorenza as Archbishop of Galveston-Houston in 2006.

 

Thursday, September 29, 2022
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.

Rite of Committal Following Mass - Private

Due to the space limitations of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for the Funeral Mass, we are encouraging the public to honor the Archbishop with your presence via the livestream. The Solemn Reception of the Body, the Vigil Service and Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Archdiocesan website at www.archgh.org/live. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Archbishop Fiorenza's memory to the C.R.O.S.S. Academies and to Casa Juan Diego.

Above all else, the Faithful of the Archdiocese and of the whole Church are invited to pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Fiorenza, and for the consolation of his family and many friends in this time of grief.