Sr. Benignus Galiano, O.P.
01/23/1923 - 09/04/2025
Sr. Benignus Galiano, O.P. (Mary Rose) entered eternal life on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Sr. Benignus was born in Beaumont, TX, on January 23, 1923, to the late Charles and Rose Capo Galiano. Sister was the last surviving of three children and was predeceased by her siblings Concetta Galiano Colunga and Joseph V. Galiano. She was also a cousin of the late Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza and Sr. Justin Farinella, OP. She is survived by her niece, Mary Jo Hebert, and other extended family members.
Sr. Benignus graduated from St. Anthony High School in Beaumont, TX, in 1939 and entered the Dominican Sisters of Houston in 1940. She earned a B.A. in English and Latin as well as a certificate in Theology at Dominican College, Houston. She also earned an M.A. in Drama and Speech from Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX, and a certification in elementary and high school teaching. She completed advanced studies in scripture and theology at Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, TX, and the University of St. Thomas, Houston. She continued her studies in Spanish at Berlitz Language School, Houston, and in anti-racism at the Center for the Healing of Racism, Houston.
Sr. Benignus served in education ministry at St. Mary’s School, Port Arthur, TX; Sacred Heart School, Galveston, TX; Assumption School, Houston; Newman School, Austin, TX; Holy Rosary School, San Bernardino, CA; St. Francis De Sales School, Riverside, CA; and Monsignor Kelly High School, Beaumont, TX. She served as principal at St. Charles School, Nederland, TX; St. Mary’s School, Port Arthur, TX; and St. Joseph School, Port Arthur, TX. She continued her ministry as Director of Religious Education at St. Mary Parish, Port Arthur, TX; St. Mary School, Orange, TX; St. Vincent Pallotti Parish, Abilene, TX; Immaculate Conception Parish, Groves, TX; and St. James Parish, Port Arthur, TX. She then began work in Social Service at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Houston, and in Ministry to the Aging in Beaumont, TX. Her congregational service included her ministry as a receptionist at St. Dominic Villa and the Dominican Sisters’ Offices.
Sr. Benignus was a woman of deep faith, grace, and quiet eloquence. Her many artistic gifts included creative writing and beautiful oil painting. She enjoyed reading and keeping up with local and global news. Her pleasant demeanor endeared her to everyone. The lasting impact of the life of “Benig” will be measured by the indelible impression she made on the hearts of those who knew her.
Sister’s body will be welcomed at 4 p.m. and the vigil service will be at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at St. Dominic Villa Chapel, 6504 Almeda Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. James Lynes on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Dominic Villa Chapel. Burial is at Forest Park, Lawndale, at 2 p.m. In lieu of the usual remembrances, donations may be made to Dominican Sisters of Houston, 6501 Almeda Road, Houston, TX, 77021.