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.

[3] Along with the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, St. Mary's serves more than 1.5 million Catholics living in the archdiocese.

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

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.