I would like to personally welcome you to San Fernando Cathedral. I invite you to visit our parish grounds or visit virtually through this website. Take a look around and discover the many services we offer to the community. Get involved in our liturgies as a Eucharistic Minister, a Proclaimer of the Word, or as a Minister of Hospitality. Join us in taking care of our beautiful cathedral by volunteering in the many programs we have to offer. Find out about Baptism, First Communion, RCIA, Faith Formation, and the many other opportunities we offer. Plan your reception or party here at one of our venues. Discover the history of this amazing Cathedral. Make plans to join us at one of the more than 10 Masses offered weekly. Visit Los Padrecitos Gift Shop for that special gift while you learn about our history at our museum. We joyfully await your visit!
- Very Reverend Carlos B. Velázquez, Rector of San Fernando Cathedral
Fr. Carlos Berardo Velázquez was born on July 28, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois, to Antonio H. Velázquez† and Maria Josefina Velázquez (nee Velázquez). The eldest of four children, he was raised in San Antonio along with his brother Juan and his sisters Ileana and Virginia. Fr. Carlos attended grade school at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School and St. Mary's Parochial School. He spent his formative high school years at St. Anthony High School Seminary in San Antonio. He attended the College of Santa Fe where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies, minoring in Philosophy. Later, he attended Oblate School of Theology earning a Master of Divinity Degree. On June 8, 1990, Fr. Carlos was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of San Antonio at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. His first assignment was at the Catholic Communities of Gonzales and Waelder where he served as Parochial Vicar. Later, he was assigned to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, again in the role of Parochial Vicar. From 1992 to 2000, Fr. Carlos served the archdiocese in the Office of Vocations, first as Associate Director then as Director. St. John Berchmans Catholic Church welcomed him as their Pastor in 2000 as did the Church of the Holy Spirit in 2006. Most recently, he served as Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels from 2017 to July 2021. Fr. Carlos enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.