Shrine of the Holy Cross Parish celebrates its 75th anniversary

By MARY ALLEN
For The Catholic Week
DAPHNE — Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi celebrated Mass on Sunday, Oct. 15 as Shrine of the Holy Cross Parish in Daphne is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
On October 16, 1948, Shrine of the Holy Cross was dedicated, with Fr. Vincent Warren, S.S.J., as the founding pastor as a mission to the African-American community of Baldwin County.  
Among its more notable parishioners were Dr. Regina Benjamin, former surgeon general, and Bishop Joseph L. Howze, who was the second black Catholic bishop in the U.S. and first bishop of the Diocese of Biloxi.
In 1947, the Archdiocese of Mobile purchased 10 acres of land in Daphne to establish a mission which would be run by the Society of St. Joseph, more commonly known as the Josephites, a religious community of Catholic priests and brothers who are committed to providing sacramental, educational and pastoral ministry, services to those in need, and working for social justice, specifically for the African-American community. 
As Shrine of the Holy Cross Parish celebrates its milestone, the legacy of the church and dedication of the parishioners, past and present, is reflected in its history.
In 1949, a school for African-American children was opened with Franciscan Sisters from Baltimore serving as teachers. In 1953, the church expanded into Bromley with the opening of St. John Mission. The parish provided transportation by bus for children residing in Bromley to attend school at Shrine of the Holy Cross. The school grew to 230 students by 1955, and a brick schoolhouse was built for the children to attend. The Oblate Sisters of Providence staffed the school as teachers, until the school closed in 1966. 
Shrine of the Holy Cross welcomes all to the ministries of word, worship and service offered there to the glory of God’s name.
“We are deeply honored to be a part of such an impactful legacy that has served the Eastern Shore and Baldwin County community for 75 years. Our heritage is a testament to the tireless efforts of visionary leaders who made it their life's work to uphold the Josephite mission of service to the African-American community,” said Fr. Lito J. Capeding, pastor of Shrine of the Holy Cross.