On Friday, September 26, 2025, we will gather for a once-in-a-lifetime event:

Honoring Father Carlos Velázquez’s 35 years of priesthood while raising essential funds to restore and preserve the historic San Fernando Cathedral — the heart of San Antonio’s faith and culture for nearly 300 years.

“Piece by Piece, Century by Century, the Legacy of San Fernando Cathedral Continues…”,
is both a celebration and a call to action. It speaks to the centuries of care, sacrifice, and faith that have kept this cathedral alive — a legacy begun in 1731 when 16 families from the Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) journeyed across the ocean to help found San Antonio.

A Legacy Worth Protecting

The Canary Islanders were not only pioneers — they were visionaries. They built homes, established commerce, laid out the city’s first streets, and most importantly, founded San Fernando Cathedral, making it the spiritual and cultural heart of the community.

For nearly three centuries, the cathedral has been a place where faith meets history. Weddings, baptisms, funerals, fiestas, and civic gatherings — it has welcomed them all. But now, this sacred treasure is in urgent need of repair to ensure it stands for centuries more.

Why We Need Your Help

San Fernando Cathedral is facing critical restoration needs:

Replacement of bell strikers and the RTO blower to restore its iconic voice
Air conditioning and floor vent repairs to protect worshippers and the building
New sound system and speakers for clearer liturgy and events
Façade restoration to preserve its historic stonework
New chairs for Café de la Cruz to support parish hospitality

Funds raised from this gala — through table sponsorships, ticket sales, raffles, and donations — will go directly toward these restoration projects.

When you sponsor a table, you are not simply buying seats at a dinner. You are safeguarding the legacy of the Canary Islanders, honoring Father Carlos’s ministry, and ensuring that San Fernando Cathedral remains the beating heart of San Antonio.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Patron of Preservation

Your generosity helps safeguard the legacy of San Fernando Cathedral for generations to come.

Piece by Piece, Century by Century

By Reichl Family Foundation

Piece by Piece, Century by Century

Father Carlos 35 Years of Priesthood