Dallas Priest Secures Pope’s Blessing for New Church Project

UPDATE: Father Paolo Capra, a priest from Pleasant Grove, Dallas, received a significant blessing from Pope Leo XIV during his historic visit to Istanbul, Turkey, on Friday. As the pope embarked on his first foreign trip, Capra was present to seek a special blessing for a brick that will symbolize the future of his parish’s new church.

Capra, standing among a crowd outside a prominent Istanbul cathedral, held a brick inscribed with the words “First stone,” along with his church’s name and the year 2026. His heartfelt request was for the pope to bless this brick, destined to be the first laid in the new St. Augustine Church in Dallas, aimed at serving a congregation of over 500 members, many of whom are low-income immigrants from Mexico.

The current church, situated on St. Augustine Road, is too small to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. Capra has set an ambitious goal of raising $17 million for the first phase of constructing a larger, more beautiful sanctuary, as described on the church’s official website. The proposed structure features a striking glass entryway, a green roof, and a tower topped with a cross, reflecting the community’s aspirations.

As the moment approached for the pope’s arrival, Capra expressed hope that the pontiff would bless the brick. “We hope so,” he told Christopher Lamb, CNN’s Vatican correspondent. When the pope finally appeared, Capra and his group, proudly proclaiming, “¡Viva el Papa! ¡Viva el Papa!”, extended their hands toward him. In a touching moment, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the brick and waved a cross over it, officially blessing the future church that will serve the community.

This encounter not only symbolizes a spiritual uplift for the parish but also highlights the importance of community and faith among its members. The new church is envisioned as a beacon of hope and support for the working-class families who rely on St. Augustine Church for spiritual guidance and connection.

As the parishioners eagerly await the construction to begin, this event marks a pivotal moment in their journey towards a larger place of worship. The enthusiasm surrounding the pope’s blessing is palpable, igniting excitement and unity within the congregation.

The next steps for the parish include mobilizing fundraising efforts and planning for the architectural design of the new church. With the pope’s blessing now secured, the community is more determined than ever to realize this long-awaited dream.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the parish of St. Augustine embarks on its journey to build a new church that will serve its vibrant community for generations to come.