texas remembers
Reactivating a Transatlantic Legacy
A bridge of faith, history, and philanthropy across the Atlantic
Honoring a Historic Legacy.
Building a Shared Future.
For nearly two centuries, the city of Lyon played a decisive role in shaping Catholic life across the United States – and particularly in Texas.
Through the Texas Remembers initiative, this historic relationship is now being renewed and formalized with the creation of the Texas-Lyon Heritage Foundation, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Texas-Lyon Heritage Foundation establishes a permanent philanthropic bridge between Texas and Lyon, honoring a shared past while supporting meaningful mission-driven work today.
The living Bridge
In the 19th century, Lyon was one of the world’s most important centers for Catholic missionary formation and financing. From this vibrant city : Clergy were trained, supported, and formally sent to frontier regions overseas.
Essential funding flowed toward emerging communities in the United States.
Missionaries helped establish dioceses, parishes, schools, and hospitals across Texas. Over the century from 1822 to 1922, Lyon-based missionary organizations contributed the equivalent of approximately $7 million to sustain the growth of the Church in the U.S.-support that historians have compared to a 19th-century « Marshall Plan » for the American Church.
A Legacy rooted in texas
One emblematic figure of this history is Jean-Marie Odin, trained at the Seminary
of Saint-Irénée in Lyon.
Sent to Texas, he became the first Bishop of Galveston and played a foundational role
in building :
Dioceses
Parishes
Schools
Charitable and social
institutions across
the state
His legacy extended into healthcare : bishops formed in Lyon invited congregations such as the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, whise missions eventually grew into major institutions-including CHRISTUS Health.
This is the living bridge that Texas Remembers seek to honor, sustain, and renew.
The Catholic Southwest magazine of the University of St. Thomas in Houston has already written about this remarkable shared heritage in its pages.
Read these valuable articles :
➡️ Jean-Marie Odin, C.M., Missionary Bishop Extraordinaire of Texas – Volume 1, March 1990
➡️ Builder of the Faith in Ninteenth-Century Texas : A Deeper Look at Bishop Jean-Marie Odin, C.M. – Volume 19, 2008
➡️ Missionary Bishop : Jean-Marie Odin in Galveston and New Orleans, Book Review – Volume 24, 2013
Our partner in lyon :
The Fondation Saint-Irénée
The Fondation Saint-Irénée is the principal philanthropic foundation of the Archdiocese of Lyon – and the sole international partner in Texas Remembers.
For the first time, this historic relationship is being formalized through a permanent U.S. philanthropic structure.
A Recognized and Trusted Foundation
Founded in 2010, the Fondation Saint-Irénée holds the French state’s highest public-benefit designation : Fondation Reconnue d’Utilité Publique.
This status reflects exceptional standards in governance, transparency, and public accountability.
at a glance :
630+ partner organizations
Three Pillars of Work :
These pillars carry forward the institutional spirit that journeyed from Lyon to Texas nearly two centuries ago
education
le vrai
unity
le bien
culture & heritage
le beau
Signature project examples
culture & heritage
Hôtel-Dieu Reliquary
The Chapel of the Hôtel-Dieu (1655). Darkened by centuries of candle smoke, this sacred space now awaits restoration. Inside rests one of the most complete ensembles of its kind in Europe – never restored.
Classified Monument Historique.
education
Les Patronages
After-school programs that become second homes.
400+ children annually receive homework support, arts programming, a meal, and adult mentorship.
Donor Opportunity :
Name a classroom or music program. Receive updates from supported children.
healthcare & social services
Soupe des Toqués
40 chefs. 40 days. 40 recipes. One movement.
Each winter, leadind Lyon chefs transfrom emergency food aid into dignified hospitality. « This is not just soup. It is a declaration that every person matters. »
Donor Opportunity :
Sponsir a named day of soup. VIP access at the annual Diner des Toqués.
"Three projetcs. Three pillars. One shared mission."
The U.S. Structure : Texas-Lyon Heritage Foundation
To steward this partnership responsibly and transparently, Texas Remembers is establishing the Texas-Lyon Heritage Lyon, a U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity.
This proven model allows American donors to support international partners through a clear, compliant, and trusted pathway.
Teaxs-Lyon Heritage Foundation provides :
-Full U.S. charitable tax deductibility
-Governance and fiduciary oversight under U.S. nonprofit standards
-English-language communication, stewardship, and reporting
-Alignment with American and Texan philanthropic priorities
-Texas-Lyon Heritage Foundation is the U.S. philanthropic bridge to the Fondation Saint-Irénée in Lyon
Join us in building the bridge !
Texas Remembers is now in its founding phase.
We are in conversation with individuals, families, and institutions interested in helping establish a permanent philanthropic link between Texas and Lyon-one that honors a shared story and supports impactful work for decades to come
Founding partners will help shape the early vision, priorities, and long-term stewardship of this new American Friends organization.