Gracida, the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, passed away May 1, 2026, at age 102.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Diocese of Corpus Christi has announced funeral arrangements for Bishop Emeritus Rene Henry Gracida.
The fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi passed away peacefully on the morning of May 1, 2026, at age 102. Bishop Gracida faithfully served the Diocese of Corpus Christi from 1983 until his retirement in 1997.
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Coastal Bend community remembers former Bishop René Gracida
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“The Diocese remembers and is grateful for Bishop Gracida’s years of dedication and service to the Church,” said the Diocese in a statement. “We continue to keep him and his family in our prayers.”
Visitation will be held Monday, May 11, from 5-9 p.m. at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, Pro-Cathedral, located at 3502 Saratoga Blvd.
It will include a Most Holy Rosary at 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, May 12, visitation will be from 2:30- 9 p.m., including Solemn Vespers for the Deceased at 7:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, May 13, Viewing will be from 8:30- 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m. All services will be held at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. Interment/entombment will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Chapel at the Corpus Christi Cathedral.
Due to limited space in the chapel, the public is encouraged to join via live stream.