A mother’s photo album or a father’s collection of military medals tells stories of personal history. Similarly, the Diocesan Archives safeguards documents and memorabilia that reflect its institutional journey.

October is American Archives Month, a time to recognize the importance of preserving historical records. Each diocesan archive is unique, housing irreplaceable records such as deeds, correspondence, aerial photographs, appointment letters, ledgers, sacramental registers, and more. These materials are stored using archival-grade boxes and supplies, to ensure long-term preservation.

A timely example of archives showcasing the diocese’s journey is the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a Mass on Sunday, October 19, 2025. This milestone is confirmed through preserved documents, including property deeds, letters, and photographs that trace the Cathedral’s development.  Much of this information was shared with the Diocesan Archives through the years, growing its collection with original documents and historical booklets created by parishes for their anniversaries. Some of these include a written history. When our parishes and schools maintain their own archives and share that information with our Diocesan Archives, they help to preserve the overall history of our diocese.

The presence of the Catholic Church in this part of Florida extends back to the arrival of Spanish explorers, priests, and missionaries in the early 1500s and after. In 1905, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in downtown Tampa, was completed and dedicated. It is the oldest existing church in our diocese.

While the Diocese of Saint Petersburg is relatively young, it still maintains a rich history. Established on June 17, 1968, the diocese was made up of territory from the Dioceses of St. Augustine and Miami. Covering over 3,000 square miles and five counties, the diocese now serves a population of more than 3.4 million, with over 500,000 Catholics.

Bishop Charles B. McLaughlin was the founding Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, serving from 1968 to 1978. Since then, four bishops have succeeded him:

• Bishop W. Thomas Larkin: 1979-1988.
• Bishop John Clement Favalora: 1989-1994
• Bishop Robert N. Lynch: 1996-2016.
• Bishop Gregory L. Parkes: 2017-present.

For more details on our current and previous bishops, click here.

Archivists serve as the custodians of our collective memory, preserving the records that chronicle the stories of organizations and of human civilization. They play a critical role in ensuring that the voices, experiences, and events of the past are not lost but are instead passed down to future generations for study, reflection, and learning.

To explore the history of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, visit www.dosp.org/office-of-archives-and-records or contact Lisa Mobley at lbm@dosp.org or 727-344-1611 ext. 5383.

For more information on American Archives Month, click here.