Louis Joseph Reicher

Louis Joseph Reicher (June 14, 1890 – February 23, 1984) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church.

[1] He also served as chaplain to the Dominican Sisters chapter in Galveston, vicar for the religious orders, a member of the Administrative Council, and founding pastor of St. Christopher's Parish in Houston from 1923 to 1941.

[2] During his tenure, Reicher built or restored over 200 churches and facilities, including a chancery office, Holy Cross Hospital in East Austin, Texas, Newman Centers on five college campuses, and six church-sponsored, low-rent housing projects.

[2] Between 1962 and 1965, Reicher attended the Second Vatican Council, where he contributed to the conciliar document on religious freedom, Dignitatis Humanae.

[2] In 1964, Reicher transferred all of his wealth, approximately $5 million, to a trust fund providing direct assistance to the poor and sick along with low-interest loans to church institutions.

[4] In response to the church position, Reicher made this statement:Never were any funds of any diocese used in creating this trust .