Assembly History

On August 19, 1945, twenty-four fourth degree members of the Knights of Columbus from councils Nos. 1553, Brownsville; 2597, Rio Grand City; 2698, Mission, and 2785, Harlingen joined together in the institution of Bishop Emmanuel Ledvina Assembly No. 1093.

Bishop Emmanuel Ledvina Assembly No. 1093 was named after Bishop Emmanuel Boleslaus Ledvina (1868-1952) he was from Evansville, Indiana and was ordained to the priesthood on March 18, 1893. On April 30, 1921, Ledvina was appointed the second bishop of Corpus Christi by Pope Benedict XV. During his tenure, Ledvina increased the number of priests in the diocese from 32 to 160, and saw construction of over 50 churches, 53 mission chapels, and 47 rectories. He constructed Corpus Christi Cathedral in 1940, and chancery office in 1947. He invited the Benedictine monks of Subiaco Abbey to establish a community in the diocese and staff a new high school. He also became known for his efforts among Mexican American Catholics in South Texas. He is buried in a crypt under the main altar of Corpus Christi Cathedral in Corpus Christi, Texas.