The Chapel on a Hill
Just a few miles south of Expressway 83 on FM 1016, you will find La Lomita Chapel. The national historic landmark hosts weekly morning masses for the public to start their day. It was build in 1865 by Rene Guyard, a French merchant of Reynosa, according to the city of Mission website.
The Texas Historical Commission recognizes the chapel as a historic landmark, continuing to provide insight on the history of South Texas. Additionally, when Mission was founded in 1908, it received its name to honor the chapel, according to the Mission website.
The Holy Cross located at the top of the Chapel shadows over the chapel grounds.
Over one century later, the stone-built chapel’s exterior wall continues wearing away. Stones from the surrounding hill has been used to restore the building after suffering historic flooding caused by hurricane Alice in 1865.
La Lomita Chapel has been a significant part of the Rio Grande Valley’s history since it rebuilt in 1899 after hurricane Alice caused the local river to rise to over 62 feet, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The view of three graves on La Lomita from inside of the chapel’s religious shrine.
Borderland trees and vase-filled flowers surround the Virgin Mary statue at La Lomita Chapel.
