UPDATE: In a heartwarming moment that unites faith and community, Father Paolo Capra received a blessing from Pope Leo XIV for the future of his parish in Dallas. This significant event took place on October 27, 2023, outside a cathedral in Istanbul, where Capra held a special brick destined to be the cornerstone of a new church for his congregation.
Capra stood amidst a crowd, longing for a moment with the pontiff to request a blessing for a brick inscribed with the words “First stone,” his church’s name, and the year 2026. He spoke passionately about the need for a larger sanctuary to accommodate his congregation of over 500 parishioners, primarily low-income families and immigrants from Mexico. “This stone would like to be the first stone of the new church that we want to build in the parish of St. Augustine in Dallas,” Capra told CNN’s Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb.
The current church, located on St. Augustine Road, struggles to serve its growing community. Capra aims to raise $17 million for the first phase of the new church project, as detailed on their official website. The proposed design features a bright, white sanctuary with a green roof, topped with a cross and adorned with an anchor-and-cross emblem above the entrance.
As Pope Leo XIV made his way through the crowd, Father Capra held up the brick, hoping for a blessing. When the moment arrived, the pontiff graciously acknowledged the offering, waving a cross over the brick while Capra and the gathered faithful cheered, “¡Viva el Papa! ¡Viva el Papa!”
This visit marks Pope Leo XIV’s first foreign trip since assuming the papacy, further emphasizing the significance of this blessing for Father Capra and his parish. The emotional connection between the pontiff and the faithful in Dallas highlights the universal importance of community and faith, especially for those striving for a better future.
As this story develops, the St. Augustine community eagerly anticipates the next steps toward their dream church, fueled by this powerful blessing from the pope. Stay tuned for updates on fundraising efforts and construction plans as they unfold, marking a new chapter for this vibrant congregation.
