Most Reverend Steven J. Lopes welcomed a group of guests from dioceses across Texas to the celebration of the Scanlan Foundation’s 70th anniversary. The private reception was held in Houston on January 25, 2017 at the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, a structure similar to a diocese, that was created by the Vatican in 2012 for former Anglican communities and clergy seeking to become Catholic.

Thomas Howe Scanlan was born on November 10, 1832, in Castle Mahon, Limerick County, Ireland. When he was seven his father moved the family to New York and in 1853 Thomas moved to Houston and entered the mercantile trade. He would later become mayor of Houston and a successful businessman. He married Hermena Sophia Ebert on April 28, 1861. Known as Sophia, she came from a prominent Houston family. Of their ten children, seven daughters survived. None of them ever married and they all devoted their lives to Catholic charities. In January, 1947, Lillian and Stella Scanlan, the youngest daughters, created the Scanlan Foundation, a religious and charitable organization. After their deaths, the entire Scanlan estate, including the Scanlan Building, went to various Catholic religious orders and educational institutions.

Located in Houston, Texas, the Scanlan Foundation has consistently provided support for Catholic religious, educational and charitable institutions located within the state of Texas for 70 years. The Diocese of El Paso has been a grateful beneficiary of the Scanlan Foundation’s generosity for programs and operating support.

Scanlan Board of Trustees are His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Ex. Officio Head, Larry W. Massey, Jr., President, Paul H. Layne, Vice President, Kirk M. Pfeffer, Treasurer, and Will H. Cravens, Secretary.

Photo (l-r): Will H. Cravens, Secretary, Scanlan Foundation; Sofía Larkin, Major Gifts Officer, Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso; Fr. John Rooney, Director of Spiritual Formation, St. Mary’s Seminary; Fr. Joseph Barbieri, C.P., Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center.