It is the primary cathedral of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and the mother church of Catholics in Texas, as well as a minor basilica.

John Timon, the newly appointed Apostolic Prefect of Texas, named fellow Vincentian priest Rev.

Odin embarked from New Orleans on a schooner bound for the Texas coast, arriving in Galveston early in 1841.

On February 6, 1842, one month before his consecration as a bishop, Odin dedicated the completed structure to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He made an addition to the church structure of a small sacristy, and bought thirty benches for the convenience of his parishioners.

[6] Once more Father John Timon was chosen as the principal speaker because of his close association with, and his pioneer work in, the diocese.

[11] The cathedral basilica sustained significant water damage during Hurricane Ike in 2008 and was closed for repairs until Easter 2014.