Bienvenidos! Welcome to the first issue of VIDA Magazine – Arts and Entertainment. I have been blessed with many opportunities including this endeavor of VIDA Magazine. In this issue we are covering an exclusive look into Cindy Vela and her recent visit to Brownsville and her participation in the independent new film ENDGAME. Also, we are covering the new renovations of the Museum of South Texas History and an upcoming exhibit this summer of the President’s Photographer at the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts. I want to thank my parents, Edward T. Moody Jr. and Cecilia S. Moody, for their continued support and love. I would also like to thank our first time advertisers for supporting this grand vision. They have always supported me in the decisions I have made in being a successful journalist. I also want to thank my RGV Media Group and VIDA Publications staff and friends who are supporting this magazine and assisting us in bringing a unique concept to South Texas. Well, until the next edition, we hope you enjoy what you see and read. Please look forward to many great things to come. - Publisher, Jason E. Moody
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It has been an arduous journey to compile and produce a magazine for the Rio Grande Valley that will outshine the rest. Without a doubt, I know that we have accomplished that goal. VIDA Magazine is the result of all our hard work and effort that was done as a team dedicated to leave a dent in history. Personally, I could not have done my part without the help of my family and fiancée, Denisse Ramirez. I hope you enjoy the luxury of this magazine and someday become a part of our community. We dedicate ourselves in focusing a spotlight to the gems hidden in South Texas, and in this issue we realized that there is so much more to do. All this we bring to you is just the beginning. Our communities constantly evolve, breaking norms and expectations. In this inaugural issue, we bring forth to you historical landmarks and a very attractive young lady who has excelled in what she loves to do. These stories will highlight what makes our valley unique and special. I invite each and every one of you to indulge in the VIDA experience, and become a part of something new. Thank you once again. Enjoy. - Publisher, Osli J. Mejia
moment as, “one of the best things that happened.” “It’s amazing how things come into place,” Cindy said. “It was my choice to be in band, but ultimately maybe it was God or the universe with some extra force because I ended up loving it.” That hand-me-down saxophone inspired a life-long interest in music. She is a graduate of Los Fresnos High School and received her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. While attending the university, she became the lead saxophonist in the One O’Clock Jazz Band. This early success led to more opportunities: Opening shows for Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Jose Feliciano. She also began to model and participate in commercials for Boot Jack, among other local businesses. Six years ago, Cindy Vela packed a suitcase with a week’s worth of clothes, and followed her dreams to Los Angeles. Within a week, she was working as a model. Now she is back in her hometown, with a role of a detention school teacher in an independent film titled ENDGAME. It is a true story about a young boy’s coming of age on his school chess team and, with the help of his coach, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning the importance of family and team spirit. Working alongside Cindy in the film are Rico Rodriguez of the television sitcom Modern Family and Efren Ramirez, who is well known for his role as Pedro in the film Napoleon Dynamite. Even though she has now been living in Los Angeles for almost six years, the Rio Grande Valley is still “home” for Cindy. Cindy is thrilled to be a part of this project, especially because it allows her to come back home and visit with family and friends. VIDA Magazine went behind-thescenes with ENDGAME and was the only publication on set covering the film. Cindy’s biggest fans are her parents. As humble and down to earth as she is, she tells VIDA Magazine that she is overjoyed to talk about how proud they are of her. “Family is the most important thing,” Cindy said. Her transformation from professional actress and model to loving child becomes evident when she returns to her mother’s home in the Rio Grande Valley. Her mother tells VIDA Magazine that she spoils her when she visits,
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3 1. Behind the scenes of ENDGAME with Cindy Vela as a detention school teacher. 2. Cindy Vela with her brother, Freddy, and mother, Lupita, at the end of the photo shoot before her departure to Los Angeles. 3. Cindy Vela and Efren Ramirez share a laugh on set of ENDGAME. 4. ENDGAME Director Carmen Marron speaks briefly to actors Cindy Vela and Efren Ramirez about their role and character in one of the scenes.
“That’s what is so amazing, I don’t know where I will end up. I just know I am not going to ever give up. I expect to be happy and still work to improve what I do.” 4
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Photographer FIFTY YEARS INSIDE THE OVAL OFFICE
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ince the 1960s, photographic images have become an increasingly critical tool in how we understand our presidents. John F. Kennedy was the first president to have an official photographer — Cecil Stoughton — and nearly every president since then has had one. The current chief official White House photographer is Pete Souza. He also had a stint in the Reagan White House
from 1983 to 1989 (but not as chief photographer), making him the first photographer to have officially served two presidents for extended periods. Go behind the lens to experience the world of the White House photographers (nine in all, since 1961). Through iconic and rarely seen images, from the Kennedy years to the Obama Administration.
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Unity in the
Historic Parish Celebrates its
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ANNIVERSARY
Sacred Heart of Jesus
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he 100th anniversary celebration of Sacred Heart Church was an occasion to reflect on the history of the par-ish – and on the dedication of the missionary priests of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) to spread the Word of God to the faithful of all cultures in Deep South Texas. Those who were at the church on April 20, 2013, to celebrate the historic anniversary during a morning Triden-tine (Latin) Mass remember the words that Father Michael Amesse, OMI, expressed during his homily: a message of unity through faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Fr. Amesse invited those in attendance to think about the faithful gathered 100 years before, celebrating the same Holy Mass at their newly dedicated church. His was an invitation to remember the hopes and dreams of those early settlers of Brownsville and to image what they envisioned for the future of their new parish. The celebration, as Fr. Amesse explained, was more than a commemoration of a beautiful brick structure. It was a union of faithful Brownsville Catholics throughout the ages. Missionary work in Deep South Texas
Conception, was constructed in Brownsville in 1859. The priests served the English and Spanish speaking faithful of the area at Immaculate Conception, and often celebrated bilingual Masses, which created difficult and long services. The parish soon found itself with a congregation separated by two languages but united in their Catholic faith. At the time, there were approximately 6,000 Mexicans in the parish area, compared to 250 Americans. The decision was then made that the faithful would best be served by creating a new parish for the English-speaking residents. A New Church in Brownsville A review of the minutes from the January 16, 1912, meeting of the Provincial Council of the Oblate Fathers shows that permission was granted to begin construction on a new church in Brownsville on what was known as the “American quarter,” the entire block between Sixth and Seventh streets and Elizabeth and Levee streets. A year later, the structure of Sacred Heart Church – four brick walls, a metal ceiling and wooden floors – was finished. The bricks for the new church were donated by parishioners.
Sacred Heart Church stands as a testament to the success of the missionary work performed throughout Brownsville and along the Rio Grande by the OMI priests in the mid 1800’s. Having arrived in Brownsville in 1849 at the request of the Bishop of Texas, John M. Odin, the missionary priests were warmly welcomed by Catholics and non-Catholics alike throughout Deep South Texas. Known as “The Calvary of Christ,” the priests built a missionary center in Brownsville and rode on horseback to widely scattered settle-ments, ranches and military camps in what are now Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, Starr and Zapata counties. Beyond the dangerous and difficult living conditions endured by the missionary priests for the sake of their evangelization efforts, they also discovered that cultural and language differences created obstacles to their work. This obstacle became evident and forced the priests to adapt their evangelization work when the first parish, Immaculate vidasouthtexas.com
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Sacred Heart Church
In “History of Sacred Heart Parish,” the Oblates report on January 29, 1913:
100 Years Later
“When we say finished, we do not mean the walls were plastered, the fine stained glass windows installed, or that there was an organ in the choir loft. There wasn’t even a confessional in the Church.”
When Sacred Heart Church opened in 1913, approximately 50 families from Brownsville and neighboring San Benito became parishioners.
With the church interior unfinished – but with great cause for joy and celebration among the Oblates and their English-speaking congregation – the dedication of Sacred Heart Church took place on Sunday, April 20, 1913, with the celebration of the first Solemn High Mass within its walls. Completion of the interior of the church – including purchasing an organ, installing pews and adding sidewalks around the building – occurred between 1915 and 1918. Most notably, the beautiful stained glass windows that decorate Sacred Heart Church were purchased and installed in the fall of 1918. The great statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Angels, along with the main altar of the church, were also installed during this time.
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Today, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate continue to celebrate Holy Mass and direct the activities at the church. Parishioners from San Benito, Los Fresnos, Rancho Viejo, Olmito, and Brownsville remain faithful members of the congregation and make their weekly visit for Sunday services. As Fr. Michael Amesse reminded the faithful gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the church, the Sacred Heart of Jesus will forever unite the faithful of Deep South Texas. By: Ernie J. Garrido Photography: Noberto Martinez Jason E. Moody
Sacred Heart Church 602 E. Elizabeth St. Brownsville, TX. 78520
A Mother Church for Deep South Texas
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A Pearl in Historic Downtown Brownsville
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Over 60 years of Service –
The Original Oyster Bar
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he local favorite was established as a modest hole in the wall on the corner of Levee Street in 1950 by Justo Barrientes Sr. In the 1970’s Justo Sr.’s son, Justo Barrientes Jr., took over the family business expanding the restaurant and adding a sea themed décor. Aside from the remodeling in the 1970’s, very little has changed within the restaurant, but why mess with perfection?
The Original Oyster Bar on Levee Street is the anchor restaurant to several successful locations including Harlingen, Weslaco, and South Padre Island. It remains a family owned and operated restaurant. On a sunny April day I had the opportunity to sit down with Diana Cisneros, manager of the Oyster Bar and daughter of Justo Barrientes Jr. Between bites of a generous portion of Gulf Shrimp Cocktail I was able to interview the matronly host as she frequently paused to greet and attend customers while directing the servers. Diana joined the staff six years ago at the request of her father. As customers came through the door, each was met with a friendly smile and a warm hello. While other managers may take an opportunity to stand idly by, Diana
“I greet every customer that comes in, acknowledge their presence and let them know they will be attended to.” - Diana Cisneros, Manager
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