The context
Fiorenza, who died at the age of 91, was the seventh bishop and the first archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in Texas. At the Dec. 18 event, he was commemorated as a major figure in Houston's history and as a leader in anti-poverty and social justice movements.
Fiorenza was a member of the "three amigos" alongside Rev. William Lawson and Rabbi Emeritus Samual Karff. Together, the trio advocated for the poor in Houston and worked to unite Houstonians of diverse faiths.
The details
The 60,000-square-foot memorial plaza will be located at the intersection of San Jacinto Street and St. Joseph Parkway, across the street from the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. The site once housed the former location of the Co-Cathedral, which has been demolished.
The Statue of the Sacred Heart—once located in the former Co-Cathedral building—will be relocated to the plaza once it opens, where it will serve as a focal point, officials said. The plaza will also include 6,000 square feet of public gathering and tribute space, a pavilion, and 140 parking spaces, according to Sacred Heart officials.
Quote of note
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, who succeeded Fiorenza as archbishop of the diocese, spoke at the ground breaking about Fiorenza's vision for the site.
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"It was meant to be a place that beautified our downtown community, that welcomed our archdiocese family and provided a gathering space for prayer, events and service," DiNardo said. "It is therefore only fitting that this plaza be established in his honor and in his memory."
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner spoke about the significance of Fiorenza's legacy on the city of Houston, calling the archbishop "a consummate Houstonian, deeply devoted to this city and its people."
“Whether it was helping out with policing reform, addressing housing issues, speaking out on behalf of immigrants and the homeless, helping to desegregate out schools and businesses, or highlighting and marshaling resources for the underserved, Archbishop Fiorenza was a living example of the gospel message to love your neighbor as yourself,” Turner said.
Before you go
The new plaza is being funded by an ongoing capital campaign that also raises funds for improvements to the Co-Cathedral and Cathedral Center.
Officials are aiming to finish work on the new plaza around Easter 2024, at which time a dedication ceremony will take place.
