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Rev. Ralph Jacob Diefenbach established the parish of St. Theresa's at 6622 Haskell in 1946. Under his 13-year leadership, St. Theresa's built a new church, a 17-classroom school, library, cafeteria and rectory.
Father Diefenbach served as a lieutenant colonel with the 143d Infantry Regiment of the Texas National Guard's 36th Division. He received international attention shortly after World War II, when he returned one of Hungary's most prized religious relics - the hand of St. Stephen to Josef Cardinal Mindszenty. The relic was removed from its treasure trove during the war and became lost. American soliders found the relic - the hand of Hungary's first king - and Father Diefenbach, a chaplain with General George Patton's Third Army, was assigned the task of returning the legacy prize. He earned several battle stars during World War II.
Father Diefenbach was active in numerous civic and welfare organizations. He was a graduate of St. Thomas High School in Houston, and of St. Mary's Seminary. He was ordained in 1937. Father Diefenbach was killed when his Cessna 170 airplane crashed in Houston shortly after takeoff.
Fr. Diefenbach Legacy Society honors the kindness and willingness of our senior community to provide for future generations. Anyone who leaves the Church in their will or estate plan will be made a member of the Legacy Society.
Joining Fr. Diefenbach in the vision he had for the perpetual mission of this Church under the patronage of St. Theresa, the Little Flower
Whichever method you choose, you may give an unrestricted gift to be used for an area of greatest need, bequests can be specific, partial, contingent or remainder.
A Gift In Your Will Life Insurance Death Benefits We Can Help
If you need help with any technical questions regarding a planned gift, contact Cherie Hernandez at 713-869-3783 or c.hernandez@sttheresa.cc . To make a planned gift, please contact Enrique Benitez at 713-869-3783 or e.benitez@sttheresa.cc to schedule a phone call or appointment with Fr. Phil.