Frank W. Gorman, Jr., a devout Catholic and lifelong St. Patrick Cathedral parishioner left a generous gift to the St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund, helping the fund reach its goal of $1 million. An endowed fund of $1 million will provide a yearly distribution of $40,000 to help preserve our beautiful century-old Cathedral, the mother church of the diocese. The campaign to establish a permanent fund for the Cathedral was initiated by Fr. Rick Matty† in 2011. Since then, more than 400 donors have given generously to the preservation fund.
The Cathedral of St. Patrick kicked off centennial celebrations in March, 2017 with a seated dinner for clergy and ministry leaders, a Mass to commemorate the Feast Day of St. Patrick followed by a parade, a 5K Run, and guided tours of the Cathedral. There will be a centennial celebration of Saint Pedro de Jesús Maldonado from January 22-26, 2018. He was ordained a priest on January 25, 1918 at St. Patrick Cathedral by Bishop Anthony Joseph Schuler, S.J.
Countless people can tell you about how Frank Gorman touched their lives, especially how he did things from his heart to honor God with absolutely no thought of any recognition. As a matter of fact, if you were going to put his name on something, he would refuse. This time is an exception. His children thought it was important to share the news of his gift because they wanted to inspire others to give. Frank’s son Mike said it best, “His charity and humility paved his way to heaven.”
Frank and his late wife, Barbara, were married on August 25, 1947 at St. Patrick Cathedral and would have celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2017. They had 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. They will both be remembered with great fondness and admiration and will be deeply missed.
The St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund was established to provide for the future care of the Cathedral. Donations to this fund are a great gift to our community and will ensure that all families within our diocese are able to enjoy the beauty and sanctity of our Cathedral Church now and for years to come.
You are invited to give to the St. Patrick Cathedral Historic Preservation Fund. Donations to the fund are tax-deductible.
Photo Credit: Patrick Craig, Diocese of El Paso Archives, and Joe Najera.