Outside Lights to Adorn Immaculate Conception

By Laura Martinez, Originally Published by the Brownsville Herald

(Re-posted with permission)

(Thanks to Fr. Kevin Collins, OMI for bringing this story to our attention)

For the first time in the history of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the outside of the historical church will be lit with blue and white lights during this year’s Advent season. For the past couple of months, Father Lawrence Mariasoosai, the cathedral’s priest, and volunteers have been busy putting up hundreds of LED lights and Christmas decorations on the outside perimeter of the cathedral. There will be blue lights representing Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus, and white lights representing purity.

“White light also brings you joy,” Father Lawrence said. “This is the first time we will have the lights outside for Christmas. Jesus said I am the light and moreover any light display brings joy.”

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is located at 1218 E. Jefferson St. It was designed by Father Pierre Yves Keralum OMI and built in 1859. It is the oldest church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brownsville.

“Advent is a time of hope, peace, joy and love, hope especially after the pandemic, we are hoping to overcome; to overcome the darkness with the light,” said Father Lawrence, who has served as priest of the cathedral for a year. “The Advent season theme is waiting for the Lord. It is hope; come Lord Jesus come.”

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