On June 19, 2021, we will pray together in thanksgiving to God for the day when slavery ended in most places in the United States. We will begin with 8 am Mass in the church and then pray a rosary outside under the live oaks in front of the statue of Our Lady of Grace. 

Here's the text of the document that ended the practice of slavery:

Galveston Texas June 19^th 1865.

General Orders No. 3.

          The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.

               The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.

          By order of Major General Granger

                    F.W. Emery

                    Major A.A. Genl.