Photo courtesy of Eastern Oklahoma Catholic

 Patron of Immigrants Finds New Home in State Riddled with Immigration Issues- Jarred Johnson 01/12/09

 As Parishioners led a statue of Saint Toribio Romo down a path to it's new home, many hopes were raised in a state that has seen it's share of Immigration Issues.

Oklahoma's Law- House Bill 1804 (HB 1804) went into effect November 1, 2007.  The law was one of the strictest laws to go into effect concerning Immigrants, making it illegal to transport illegal immigrants.  The implementation of The Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection of 2007 prompted many parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church to turn to the Patron of Immigrants, Saint Toribio Romo for intercessions and relief.

In September 2007, many parishioners began a Novena to Saint Toribio Romo, praying for comfort and peace. The Novena was led by Father Tim Davison, Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul. 

Fr. Tim has worked with the growing Hispanic population in the Diocese of Tulsa for roughly 12 years of his priesthood.  "There was a lot of fear and confusion and uncertainty created by the Law which was exactly what was hoped for by the ones who created it in the first place. I thought the Church should do something spiritually to show support for the plight of the immigrants.", said Fr. Tim.  It was for this reason Fr. Tim sought the help of parishioner Simone Navarro.

The Novena soon grew to other ideas, such as trying to obtain a relic of Saint Toribio Romo, build a Shrine in the Saint's honor, and a yearly festival.  All of these ideas came together and all of the plans came to realization on May 21, 2008 when Bishop Edward Slattery, Bishop of the Tulsa, Oklahoma Diocese made a special proclamation declaring Sts. Peter and Paul the Diocesan Shrine to Saint Toribio Romo.

To further the plans there are designs for a Baptistry to be included with current building and construction projects for the church.  The current projects include an office building and extensions to the existing church along with the baptistry.  The office building has received adequate funding from private anonymous donations.  Father Tim plans to proceed with this project in early 2009.

However, the funding for the baptistry which will be the Shrine to Saint Toribio Romo has yet to find adequate sponsorship.  The church committee, Saint Toribio Group, in charge of fund raising for the baptistry has reported only raising $20,000.00 as of January 2009.  The current estimates for the baptistry are $350,000.00. 

Hopefully, the church will be able to gain sponsorship through our website donations. We welcome you to click the "Donations" button above to donate to the building of the Shrine.  All donors will be remembered in special prayers by the church and parishioners and all donations are tax-deductible.