Contributors: Brenda Nettles Riojas, Marc Cervantes
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INSIDE
INTERVIEW WITH OUR NEW BISHOP MOST REV. MARIO AVILÉS, C.O.: “As the Body of Christ, we are entrusted with the care of one another”
ENTREVISTA CON NUESTRO NUEVO OBISPO, MONSEÑOR MARIO AVILÉS, C.O.: “Como Cuerpo de Cristo, se nos ha confiado el cuidado mutuo”
A SHEPHERD MOLDED BY THE SPIRITUALITY OF ST. PHILIP NERI: Tracing the Path of Our New Bishop, Mario Avilés
UN PASTOR MOLDEADO POR LA ESPIRITUALIDAD DE SAN FELIPE NERI: Siguiendo los pasos de nuestro nuevo obispo, Mon. Mario Avilés
THE MOST REVEREND MARIO ALBERTO AVILÉS, C. O. - TIMELINE
FAITH, VALUES AT HOME SHAPED NEW BISHOP OF CORPUS CHRISTI: Bishop Mario A. Avilés said his family played an important part in sowing the seeds of his priestly vocation
SE APRENDEN LAS LECCIONES DE LA VIDA EN LA FAMILIA: Bishop Avilés dijo que su familia desempeñó un papel importante en su vocación sacerdotal
WELCOME, BISHOP MARIO from students from our Catholic Schools
THE NEW BISHOP’S INSIGNIA: His Coat of Arms and a special Pectoral Cross
A TEACHER AT HEART: How being a teacher, principal and Superintendent shaped our new bishop
A SHEPHERD WHO BUILT COMMUNION: A Reflection on the Diocesan Leadership of Bishop Michael Mulvey
INTERVIEW WITH BISHOP MICHAEL MULVEY: Growing Together in Faith
THANK YOU, BISHOP MULVEY!: Some farewell messages from people in our diocese
Welcome, Bishop Mario Avilés!
It has been an incredible race over the last eight weeks, since Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Mario Avilés, C.O., as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi and, at the same time, accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael Mulvey, one and a half years after the mandatory age of 75. Bishop Mulvey led the diocese for almost 16 years and left an incredible mark on the Church in our diocese. Now it is time to pass on the baton, and we cannot be thankful enough to Pope Leo XIV for choosing someone from South Texas. Born in Mexico City and living in the Diocese of Brownsville for the last 36 years, he will be a shepherd who understands his flock.
Fluent in English and Spanish, he brings the richness of both Hispanic and Texan cultures and has experience in the worldwide Church – he served as the Procurator General of his community, the Congregation of the Oratory, for seven years, which led him to get to know many countries and the pastoral situations around the world.
Bishop Mulvey, we cannot thank you enough for being such a good shepherd to us. Your spirituality and thoughtful homilies guided us to become a Church that not only prays but also puts the Gospel into practice, bringing our faith into our daily lives.
Bishop Avilés, we welcome you with open arms and look forward to your guidance! May God always be with you in this endeavor, and may the Holy Spirit illuminate your steps and decisions along this journey. All for His greater glory! Count on our support, and we look forward to walking together with you!
The Office of Communications
Bishop Mario Avilés and the staff of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources are committed to assisting those who have faced abuse of any kind. For immediate assistance, support, and referral information, please call Victim Assistance Coordinator Stephanie Bonilla at (361) 693-6686.
El obispo Mario Avilés y el personal de la Oficina del Medio Ambiente Seguridad y Recursos para Niños y Familias están comprometidos a ayudar a aquellos que han sufrido abusos de cualquier tipo. Para asistencia inmediata, apoyo e información de referencia, llame al Coordinador de Asistencia a Víctimas Stephanie Bonilla al (361) 693-6686.
In the spirit of proper stewardship, the Diocese of Corpus Christi encourages reporting any financial abuse concerns or related issues. Report confidentially to: financialconcerns@diocesecc.org
En el espíritu de una administración adecuada, la Diócesis de Corpus Christi alienta a informar cualquier inquietud de abuso financiero o problemas relacionados. Informe confidencialmente a: financialconcerns@diocesecc.org
INTERVIEW WITH OUR NEW BISHOP MOST. REV. MARIO A. AVILÉS, C.O.
“As the Body of Christ, we are entrusted with the care of one another”
Our What were your feelings when you found out that you would be the next Bishop of Corpus Christi?
Bishop Avilés: It was a mixture of many emotions. I was driving to the pastoral center when I received the call, and as soon as I saw the Nuncio’s number, I knew it was something important. Upon receiving the news, a flood of thoughts came to mind. I pulled over to the side of the road and after overcoming the surpise, I told Cardinal Pierre, “When I said yes to becoming a priest and then a bishop, I also said yes to being obedient, to the Lord, to the Church, and to the Holy Father. I am here to do what God and the Holy Father ask of me in the Church.” For me, obedience has always been a way of trusting God’s will.
I did feel some nervousness at first, but I quickly reminded myself that this mission is not about us. This work is not ours; it is God’s work for His people. This calling has shaped my life for nearly thirty-eight years, and I trust that the Lord will continue to walk with me. I feel deeply humbled to have been chosen to shepherd and serve the people of Corpus Christi.
Above all, I want to share this from the heart: I am here to serve, to love the people of God, and to show them the mercy of our Lord.
You bring a great deal of experience to your new role. Please tell us a bit about your background. Bishop Avilés: I was born in Mexico City, where my family still lives. I am the youngest of five children. My sister, the oldest, was like a second mother to me,
and I was also blessed with three brothers.
My parents are very happy that I have been assigned to the Diocese of Corpus Christi, especially since it is not too far from home. This brings us a sense of closeness.
I came to the United States in 1988 after graduating from high school and began my priestly formation with the Congregation of the Oratory in Pharr, Texas. That journey has deeply shaped both my faith and my vocation.
I look forward with great joy to meeting the many communities that make up the Diocese; people of different backgrounds, traditions, and life experiences, including our Hispanic community, which is such a vital part of the life of the Church.
I hope to listen to everyone, walk alongside them, and build relationships rooted in trust. Through this closeness, I pray that hearts may open, allowing me to better understand the distinct realities of the people of God and how I can best serve all whom the Lord entrusts to my care.
The Church needs to reach young people in order to have a future. What is your approach?
Bishop Avilés: We often hear that young people are the future of the Church, but in reality, they are already the present of the Church. For this reason, we must draw close to them and offer them a genuine sense of belonging, so that they may recognize the Church as their home. In today’s world, there are many voices competing for their attention, some of
which take advantage of their deep desire to be seen and heard, and not always for their good.
When the Church stays close to young people and meets them with an attentive ear and a compassionate heart, we create space for them to rediscover their place in the life of the Church and to become more fully engaged. We cannot ask them first to conform to our plans or expectations. Rather, we are called to meet them where they are, to walk with them patiently, and to care for them with truth, understanding, and love.
What do you see as important assets in the life of the Church?
Bishop Avilés: One of the greatest treasures in the life of the Church is prayer. A life rooted in prayer is what keeps the soul alive and moving forward. Our relationship with the Lord, like any relationship, grows through sincere and ongoing communication — through hearts that speak to Him and remain attentive to His presence and His voice.
Just as human love seeks closeness and understanding, so our love for the Lord deepens when we intentionally seek to know Him and to speak with Him. This living dialogue is prayer.
The very name of our diocese, Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ, constantly draws us back to the Eucharist, which stands at the center of our life of faith. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life; it is where everything in the Church begins and where it ultimately finds its fulfillment.
What gives you hope when you think about the Church today in the U.S.?
Bishop Avilés: What gives me hope today is witnessing the living faith of so many people, especially young people. I was deeply moved during the National Eucharistic Congress last summer, where we all saw long lines outside the stadium for the main celebration, families pushing strollers, young people, and entire communities coming together with a shared desire to encounter the Lord.
In the midst of all that our country and our world are facing, these living expressions of faith renew the heart with hope. They remind me that it is worth offering our lives in service to the people of God and giving ourselves generously to the mission the Lord entrusts to us, knowing that even small acts of faithfulness can truly make a difference.
How can we make a difference? How much does the Church need to speak up about issues in our society?
Bishop Avilés: We make a difference by living the Gospel fully and consistently in every part of our lives, not only in what we believe or how we worship, but in the way we treat others each day. This means learning to care for one another and to love our neighbor as ourselves, especially those who are struggling or living in difficult circumstances. At times, we may excuse ourselves by saying, “I have my own problems; I don’t have time to worry about others.”
Yet there is always someone who is carrying a heavier burden than our own. Very often, it is the people who are close to us, in our families, neighborhoods, and communities. They may not be asking for much; sometimes they simply need someone who is willing to listen, to be present, and to open their heart to them. This is the heart of Catholic Social Teaching: to care for one another and to live the Gospel command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:39).
Th ere are countless opportunities to live this out. We often think we must do something extraordinary, but it is usually the simple, faithful acts of love and kindness in our daily lives that make the greatest difference.
At times, because of the direction our society is taking, the Church may be perceived as something political. Yet when the Church speaks on behalf of the poor, the vulnerable, and those in need, it is not about political parties or positions. It is simply about remaining faithful to the mission the Lord has entrusted to us, a mission we are called to continue with courage, compassion, and hope.
Do you have anything else in your heart that you would like to say to the people in the Diocese of Corpus Christi?
Bishop Avilés: I am grateful for this journey we are called to build together. I do not come with a pre-set plan. Before anything else, we must come to know one another, to listen, and to walk side by side as we serve the Lord and His people. I promise to do my best to be a true and good shepherd, and to work closely with the clergy and religious in caring for the people of God entrusted to us.
I humbly ask you to pray for me. We need to sustain one another through prayer. One of my most important responsibilities as a bishop is to pray for my people, and I want you to know that you are always in my prayers. I ask as well for your prayers, your trust, and your willingness to walk together in faith.
ENTREVISTA CON NUESTRO NUEVO OBISPO, MONSEÑOR
MARIO A. AVILÉS, C.O.
“Como Cuerpo de Cristo, se nos ha confiado el cuidado mutuo”
¿Qué sintió al enterarse de que sería el próximo Obispo de Corpus Christi?
Obispo Avilés: Fue una mezcla de muchas emociones. Iba conduciendo hacia el centro pastoral cuando recibí la llamada, y en cuanto vi el número del Nuncio, supe que era algo importante. Al recibir la noticia, me vinieron a la mente muchísimos pensamientos. Me orillé a un lado de la carretera y, tras superar la sorpresa, le dije al Cardenal Pierre: “Cuando dije sí a ser sacerdote y luego obispo, también dije sí a la obediencia, al Señor, a la Iglesia y al Santo Padre. Estoy aquí para hacer lo que Dios y el Santo Padre me pidan en la Iglesia”. Para mí, la obediencia siempre ha sido una forma de confiar en la voluntad de Dios.
Al principio sentí algo de nerviosismo, pero rápidamente me recordé a mí mismo que esta misión no se trata de nosotros. Esta obra no es nuestra; es la obra de Dios para su pueblo. Este llamado ha marcado mi vida durante casi treinta y ocho años, y confío en que el Señor seguirá caminando conmigo. Me siento profundamente honrado de haber sido elegido para pastorear y servir al pueblo de Corpus Christi.
Sobre todo, quiero compartir esto de corazón: estoy aquí para servir, para amar al pueblo de Dios y para mostrarles la misericordia de nuestro Señor.
Usted aporta una gran experiencia a su nuevo cargo. Cuéntenos un poco sobre su trayectoria. Obispo Avilés: Nací en la Ciudad de México, donde todavía vive mi familia. Soy el menor de cinco
hermanos. Mi hermana, la mayor, fue como una segunda madre para mí, y también tuve la bendición de tener tres hermanos.
Mis padres están muy contentos de que me hayan asignado a la Diócesis de Corpus Christi, sobre todo porque no está muy lejos de casa. Esto nos da una sensación de cercanía.
Llegué a Estados Unidos en 1988 después de terminar la preparatoria y comencé mi formación sacerdotal con la Congregación del Oratorio en Pharr, Texas. Ese camino ha marcado profundamente tanto mi fe como mi vocación. Espero con gran alegría conocer a las numerosas comunidades que conforman la Diócesis; personas de diferentes orígenes, tradiciones y experiencias de vida, incluyendo nuestra comunidad hispana, que es una parte vital de la vida de la Iglesia.
Espero escuchar a todos, caminar junto a ellos y construir relaciones basadas en la confianza. A través de esta cercanía, ruego que los corazones se abran, permitiéndome comprender mejor las distintas realidades del pueblo de Dios y cómo puedo servir mejor a todos aquellos que el Señor me confía.
La Iglesia necesita llegar a los jóvenes para tener un futuro. ¿Cuál es su enfoque?
Obispo Avilés: A menudo escuchamos que los jóvenes son el futuro de la Iglesia, pero en realidad, ya son el presente de la Iglesia. Por esta razón, debemos acercarnos a ellos y ofrecerles un verdadero sentido de pertenencia, para que reconozcan a la Iglesia como su hogar. En el mundo actual, hay muchas
voces que compiten por su atención, algunas de las cuales se aprovechan de su profundo deseo de ser vistos y escuchados, y no siempre para su bien. Cuando la Iglesia se mantiene cerca de los jóvenes y los acoge con un oído atento y un corazón compasivo, creamos un espacio para que redescubran su lugar en la vida de la Iglesia y se involucren más plenamente. No podemos pedirles primero que se ajusten a nuestros planes o expectativas. Más bien, estamos llamados a encontrarlos donde están, a caminar con ellos con paciencia y a cuidarlos con verdad, comprensión y amor.
¿Qué considera usted que son activos importantes en la vida de la Iglesia?
Obispo Avilés: Uno de los mayores tesoros en la vida de la Iglesia es la oración. Una vida arraigada en la oración es lo que mantiene el alma viva y en constante crecimiento. Nuestra relación con el Señor, como cualquier relación, crece a través de una comunicación sincera y continua, a través de corazones que le hablan y permanecen atentos a su presencia y a su voz.
Así como el amor humano busca la cercanía y la comprensión, nuestro amor por el Señor se profundiza cuando buscamos intencionalmente conocerlo y hablar con Él. Este diálogo vivo es la oración.
El mismo nombre de nuestra diócesis, Corpus Christi, el Cuerpo de Cristo, nos remite constantemente a la Eucaristía, que se encuentra en el centro de nuestra vida de fe. La Eucaristía es la fuente y la cumbre de nuestra vida cristiana; Es donde todo en la Iglesia comienza y donde, en última instancia, encuentra su plenitud.
¿Qué le da esperanza al pensar en la Iglesia hoy en Estados Unidos?
Obispo Avilés: Lo que me da esperanza hoy es ser testigo de la fe viva de tantas personas, especialmente de los jóvenes. Me conmovió profundamente el Congreso Eucarístico Nacional del verano pasado, donde vimos largas filas fuera del estadio para la celebración principal, familias con cochecitos de bebé, jóvenes y comunidades enteras que se reunían con el deseo común de encontrarse con el Señor. En medio de todo lo que nuestro país y nuestro mundo están enfrentando, estas expresiones vivas de fe me llenan de esperanza. Los actos de fe renuevan el corazón con esperanza. Me recuerdan que vale la pena ofrecer nuestras vidas al servicio del pueblo de Dios y entregarnos generosamente a la misión que el Señor nos encomienda, sabiendo que incluso los pequeños actos de fidelidad pueden marcar una verdadera diferencia.
¿Cómo podemos marcar la diferencia? ¿Cuánto necesita la Iglesia alzar la voz sobre los problemas de nuestra sociedad?
Obispo Avilés: Marcamos la diferencia viviendo el Evangelio plena y coherentemente en cada aspecto de nuestras vidas, no solo en lo que creemos o en cómo adoramos, sino en la forma en que tratamos a los demás cada día. Esto significa aprender a cuidarnos unos a otros y a amar a nuestro prójimo como a nosotros mismos, especialmente a quienes sufren o viven en circunstancias difíciles. A veces, nos excusamos diciendo: “Tengo mis propios problemas; no tengo tiempo para preocuparme por los demás”. Sin embargo, siempre hay alguien que lleva una carga más pesada que la nuestra. Muy a menudo, son las personas cercanas a nosotros, en nuestras familias, vecindarios y comunidades. Puede que no pidan mucho; a veces simplemente necesitan a alguien que esté dispuesto a escuchar, a estar presente y a abrirles su corazón. Este es el corazón de la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia: cuidarnos unos a otros y vivir el mandamiento del Evangelio de “amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo” (Mt 22:39).
Hay innumerables oportunidades para poner esto en práctica. A menudo pensamos que debemos hacer algo extraordinario, pero generalmente son los actos sencillos y fieles de amor y bondad en nuestra vida diaria los que marcan la mayor diferencia.
A veces, debido a la dirección que está tomando nuestra sociedad, la Iglesia puede ser percibida como algo político. Sin embargo, cuando la Iglesia habla en nombre de los pobres, los vulnerables y los necesitados, no se trata de partidos ni posiciones políticas. Se trata simplemente de permanecer fieles a la misión que el Señor nos ha encomendado, una misión que estamos llamados a continuar con valentía, compasión y esperanza.
¿Hay algo más que le gustaría decir a la gente de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi?
Obispo Avilés: Estoy agradecido por este camino que estamos llamados a construir juntos. No vengo con un plan preestablecido. Antes que nada, debemos conocernos, escucharnos y caminar juntos mientras servimos al Señor y a su pueblo. Prometo hacer todo lo posible para ser un verdadero y buen pastor, y trabajar en estrecha colaboración con el clero y los religiosos en el cuidado del pueblo de Dios que nos ha sido encomendado.
Les pido humildemente que oren por mí. Necesitamos apoyarnos mutuamente a través de la oración. Una de mis responsabilidades más importantes como obispo es orar por mi pueblo, y quiero que sepan que siempre están presentes en mis oraciones. Les pido también sus oraciones, su confianza y su disposición a caminar juntos en la fe.
TRACING THE PATH OF OUR NEW BISHOP, MARIO A. AVILÉS
A Shepherd Molded by the Spirituality of St. Philip Neri
BY SUSANNE JANSSEN
“ The whole world, and all that it contains— everything is vanity.” These words, from a famous poem by St. Philip Neri (1515–1595), capture the spiritual vision of the saint who is both the founder of the Oratory and the favorite saint of our new bishop, Mario Avilés. The quote serves as a reminder to look always toward our final destination—heaven—and to make every life choice with that goal in mind.
The Avilés family’s home parish, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Fátima in Tlalnepantla, Mexico City, is under the pastoral care of the Oratory Fathers. As a result, all the priests that young Mario encountered were Oratorians. As he began to discern a call to the priesthood, their way of life and ministry deeply attracted him. Following in their footsteps felt natural. “I didn’t participate in youth groups at my parish,” Bishop Avilés recalled, “but we went to Mass every Sunday, and I always liked the priests
and what they were doing.”
That attraction eventually led him to enter the seminary while still in high school, at the age of 16. “I went to school and attended some classes, but then I came home every weekend,” he said. After graduating, he initially expected to remain with the Oratory community in his home parish. However, his abilities soon caught the attention of a member of the Oratory in Pharr, Texas.
Fr. Leo Francis Daniels, who later attended Bishop Avilés’ ordination as auxiliary bishop in 2018, remembered their first impressions: “We got to know him—he was a smart young man and already knew some English. He picks up languages very quickly.” Today, Bishop Avilés speaks English, Spanish, and Italian fluently and has proficiency in several other languages. “He was a product of postmodern Mexico,” Fr. Daniels continued. “He watched a lot of American
Since his graduation from high school, Bishop Mario Avilés has served the Church in Texas.
Credit: Courtesy of the Diocese of Brownsville (2)
television and was steeped in American culture. I thought he would be a good fit for our community, so I invited him to the Pharr Oratory.”
Bishop Avilés joined the Pharr Oratory in 1988 after graduating from high school. The move was a major change. “Pharr was a very small town at the time, and I was coming from the metropolis of Mexico City,” he recalled. Yet the call was strong, and today he says he would not change a thing.
While continuing his formation as a seminarian and Oratorian, he received a scholarship to study in Rome at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum. During his four years there, he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and Sacred Scripture, became fluent in Italian, and experienced the universal Church firsthand during the papacy of what is now St. John Paul II.
He was ordained to the priesthood on July 21, 1998, at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle–National Shrine, and was assigned to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Pharr, which is entrusted to the Oratory. Five years later, he became pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Hidalgo. Oratory Fathers typically remain in the Oratory they enter, a stability Bishop
Avilés appreciated. “I liked this stability because you can really make an impact,” he said.
At Sacred Heart, he established the parish’s Life Teen youth program and later became principal of the Catholic school in Pharr (see “A Teacher at Heart,” p. 29), where he also launched the athletics program in 2002.
Yet God had more in store. In September 2012, Bishop Avilés was elected Procurator General of the Confederation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri on the first ballot. In this role, he served 85 Oratories and more than 550 priests and brothers worldwide, traveling extensively throughout Europe, South Africa, and North and South America. Remarkably, even while carrying out these international responsibilities, he continued serving as pastor in Hidalgo.
His term as Procurator General came to an earlier end when he was named auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville, a transition that required him to leave the Pharr Oratory—his spiritual home and family for nearly 30 years.
“I felt like I was losing a son,” said Fr. Daniels, who was then provost of the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Pharr. Oratorians do not
Even when serving as Procurator General of the Oratorians, Bishop Avilés remained faithful to his duties as a pastor.
take vows to community; instead, each Oratory is a pontifical house where priests and brothers live together according to the spirituality of their founder. They pray together, share meals, support one another, and grow as a family.
When Bishop Avilés was ordained, canon law required that he no longer live in the Oratory house. “Canon law says he can’t live with us,” Fr. Daniels explained, “but I’m happy for him and happy for the diocese. You couldn’t get anyone better,” he said at the time of the 2018 ordination.
Now, Bishop Avilés’ service to the Church is leading him from the Rio Grande Valley to Corpus Christi. While the Diocese of Brownsville takes pride in his appointment by Pope Leo XIV, many also grieve the loss of a beloved auxiliary bishop. “Everyone here just loved working with him. He is so caring,” said Brenda Nettles Riojas, communications director and editor of The Valley Catholic.
Those who worked closely with him in parish life echo that sentiment. Elisa Garza, former director of religious education at Sacred Heart Parish in Hidalgo, shared, “Cuídenmelo mucho—take good care of him. I will always give thanks to God for his work in our beautiful community.” She added, “He was a light and continues to be a light in each of us, especially through his spirituality.”
Looking ahead, Bishop Avilés is confident about his transition to Corpus Christi. “I think I will adapt very fast,” he said. “The culture is not that different.”
Many Catholics there are also of Hispanic descent, with devotions passed down through generations— often by abuelas—including a deep love for Our Lady of Guadalupe and other cherished traditions.
For Bishop Avilés, respecting and nurturing these traditions is essential. Faith, he believes, comes from the heart and from where it was first received. As a shepherd, he is committed to serving every group in a way that honors their culture and spiritual heritage. At the same time, the mission of the Church remains universal everywhere: “the mission of Jesus Christ— proclaiming what is good, right, and just.”
With contributions from The Valley Catholic
Mario Avilés was ordained as a bishop on February 22, 2018.
Courtesy of the Diocese of Brownsville (2)
After the Oath of Fidelity, Bishop-designate Mario Aviles showed the papal bull of his appointment in 2018.
SIGUIENDO LOS PASOS DE NUESTRO NUEVO OBISPO, MARIO AVILÉS
Un pastor moldeado por la espiritualidad de San Felipe Neri
POR SUSANNE JANSSEN
“ El mundo entero, y todo lo que contiene, todo es vanidad”. Esta frase, de un famoso poema y adoptada por San Felipe Neri (1515-1595), resume la visión espiritual de este santo, fundador del Oratorio y santo predilecto de nuestro nuevo obispo, Mario Avilés. Esta frase enfatiza que debemos mirar siempre hacia nuestro destino final —el cielo— y tomar cada decisión en la vida con ese objetivo en mente.
La parroquia de la familia Avilés, la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Fátima en Tlalnepantla, Ciudad de México, está bajo el cuidado pastoral de los sacerdotes y religiosos que pertenecen a la Congregacion del Oratorio fundada por San Felipe Neri. Como resultado, todos los sacerdotes que el joven Mario conoció eran
oratorianos. Cuando comenzó a discernir su vocación al sacerdocio, encontró en la forma de vida y misión de los oratorianos el camino perfecto para responder a esa llamada. Seguir sus pasos le pareció natural. “ Yo no participaba en grupos juveniles en mi parroquia”, recordó el obispo Avilés, “pero íbamos a misa todos los domingos, y siempre me gustaron los sacerdotes y lo que hacían”.
Esa atracción lo llevó finalmente a ingresar al seminario mientras aún estaba en la preparatoria, a los 16 años. “Iba a la escuela y asistía a algunas clases, pero luego regresaba a casa todos los fines de semana”, dijo. Todo cambio cuando un miembro notó sus habilidades tras graduarse, desviándolo de su plan inicial en su parroquia local para servir al
Oratorio en McAllen/Pharr, Texas.
El Padre Leo Francis Daniels, quien más tarde asistió a la ordenación del obispo Avilés como obispo auxiliar en 2018, recordó sus primeras impresiones: “Lo conocimos; era un joven inteligente y ya sabía algo de inglés. Aprende idiomas muy rápido”. Hoy, el obispo Avilés habla inglés, español e italiano con fluidez y domina varios otros idiomas. “Era producto del México posmoderno”, continuó el Padre Daniels. “Veía mucha televisión estadounidense y estaba inmerso en la cultura estadounidense. Pensé que encajaría bien en nuestra comunidad, así que lo invité al Oratorio de Pharr”. El obispo Avilés se unió al Oratorio de Pharr en 1988 después de graduarse de la escuela secundaria. El cambio fue significativo. “Pharr era un pueblo muy pequeño en ese entonces, y yo venía de la metrópolis de la Ciudad de México”, recordó. Sin embargo, el llamado era fuerte, y hoy dice que no cambiaría nada. Mientr as continuaba su formación como seminarista y oratoriano, recibió una beca para estudiar en Roma en el Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum. Durante sus cuatro años allí, obtuvo una licenciatura en filosofía y Sagrada Escritura, aprendió a hablar italiano con fluidez y vivió la universalidad de la Iglesia Católica bajo el pontificado de Juan Pablo II.
Fue ordenado sacerdote el 21 de julio de 1998 en la Basílica de Nuestra Señora de San Juan del ValleSantuario Nacional, y fue asignado a la Parroquia San Judas Tadeo en Pharr, que está encomendada al Oratorio. Tras cinco años, se convirtió en párroco del Sagrado Corazón en Hidalgo, resaltando la estabilidad que el obispo Avilés valoraba, una característica de los sacerdotes del Oratorio que, al permanecer en su congregación, muestran gran dedicación y permanencia. “Me gustaba esta estabilidad porque realmente puedes tener un impacto”, dijo.
En la parroquia Sagrado Corazón, estableció el programa juvenil Life Teen y más tarde se convirtió en el director de la escuela católica en Pharr (véase
“Un maestro de corazón”, pág. xx), donde también puso en marcha el programa de atletismo en 2002. Sin embargo, Dios tenia mas preparado para él. En septiembre de 2012, el obispo Avilés fue elegido Procurador General de la Confederación del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri en la primera votación. En este cargo, sirvió a 85 Oratorios y a más de 550 sacerdotes y hermanos en todo el mundo, viajando extensamente por Europa, Sudáfrica y América del Norte y del Sur. Cabe racalcar que mientras desempeñaba estas responsabilidades internacionales, continuó sirviendo como párroco en Hidalgo.
Su mandato como Procurador General terminó antes de lo previsto cuando fue nombrado obispo auxiliar de la Diócesis de Brownsville, una transición que le obligó a dejar el Oratorio de Pharr, su hogar espiritual y su familia durante casi 30 años.
“ Sentí que estaba perdiendo un hijo”, dijo el P. Daniels, quien entonces era preboste de la Congregación del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri en Pharr. Los oratorianos no hacen votos religiosos como los monjes, sino que viven juntos por la caridad y la misión, formando “casas” o Oratorios autónomos bajo una Regla, unidos solo por la devoción a su fundador, San Felipe Neri, y la Iglesia, fomentando la oración, predicación y servicio pastoral. Rezan juntos, comparten las comidas, se apoyan mutuamente y crecen como una familia.
Cuando el obispo Avilés fue ordenado, el derecho canónico requeria que ya no viviera en la casa del Oratorio. “El derecho canónico dice que no puede vivir con nosotros”, explicó el padre Daniels, “pero estoy feliz por él y por la diócesis. No podrían haber elegido a nadie mejor”, dijo en el momento de la ordenación en 2018.
Ahora, el servicio del obispo Avilés a la Iglesia lo esta llevando del Valle del Río Grande a Corpus Christi. Mientras que la Diócesis de Brownsville se enorgullece de su nombramiento por el Papa León XIV, muchos también lamentan la pérdida de un
Mario Avilés fue ordenado obispo el 22 de febrero de 2018.
querido obispo auxiliar. “Todos aquí disfrutábamos mucho trabajando con él. Es una persona muy atenta”, dijo Brenda Nettles Riojas, directora de comunicaciones y editora de The Valley Catholic. Quienes trabajaron estrechamente con él en la vida parroquial comparten ese sentimiento. Elisa Garza, exdirectora de educación religiosa en la Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón en Hidalgo, comentó: “Cuídenmelo mucho. Siempre daré gracias a Dios por su labor en nuestra hermosa comunidad”. Añadió: “Él fue una luz y sigue siendo una luz en cada uno de nosotros, especialmente a través de su espiritualidad”.
Mirando hacia adelnate, el obispo Avilés se muestra confiado en su transición a Corpus Christi. “Creo que me adaptaré muy rápido”, dijo. “La cultura no es tan diferente”. Muchos católicos allí también
son de ascendencia hispana, con devociones transmitidas de generación en generación, a menudo por las abuelas, incluyendo un profundo amor por Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y otras tradiciones muy apreciadas.
Para el obispo Avilés, respetar y cultivar estas tradiciones es esencial. La fe, cree el, proviene del corazón y del lugar donde se recibió por primera vez. Como pastor, está comprometido a servir a cada grupo de una manera que honre su cultura y herencia espiritual. Al mismo tiempo, la misión de la Iglesia sigue siendo universal en todas partes: “la misión de Jesucristo: proclamar lo que es bueno, correcto y justo”.
Con contribuciones de The Valley Catholic
Congratulations!
Most Rev. Robert M. Coerver, and the more than 136,000 Catholics Diocese of Lubbock join in celebration with our brother and sister Texas Catholics in the Diocese of Corpus Christi welcoming their ninth bishop, Bishop Mario Avilés, C. O.
BISHOP MARIO AVILÉS, C.O. Congratulations
Bishop Edward J. Burns and the faithful of the Diocese of Dallas celebrate the appointment by Pope Leo XIV of Bishop Mario Avilés as Bishop for the Diocese of Corpus Christi. May the Holy Spirit guide him in this new mission of grace and leadership.
Las tradiciones religiosas, en consonancia con la Iglesia, son importantes para el obispo Avilés.
The Most Reverend Mario Alberto Avilés, C. O.
1969 > 1986 > 1988
September 16, 1969
Born in Mexico City to Rafael Avilés and María Guadalupe Avilés, as the youngest of five children.
Discerning the Vocation at age 16: he was attracted by the example of the Oratorians, who ran his home parish in Mexico City. He entered seminary while finishing high school, going home during the weekends.
Became a member of the Pharr Oratory in 1988 upon graduating from high school, starting his Novitiate, and studying English. Returning to the seminary in Mexico City the following year.
1994 > 1998 > 2002
Obtaining a scholarship to continue his studies in Rome at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, finishing in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Sacred Scripture.
July 21, 1998
Ordained as a priest at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del ValleNational Shrine in San Juan, TX, by Bishop José Raúl Vera López. He was appointed as Parochial Vicar of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Pharr.
Appointed as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Hidalgo and later as school principal, while earning a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision.
2012 > 2018 > 2025
September 12, 2012
Appointed as Procurator General of the Confederation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, leading 85 oratories and more than 550 Oratorian priests and brothers around the world.
February 22, 2018
Ordained as a bishop and installed as Auxiliary Bishop of Brownsville on the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine in San Juan, TX.
January 28, 2026
Installation as the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. 2026
December 1, 2025
Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop Mario Aviles as the ninth Bishop of Corpus Christi.
BISHOP MARIO A. AVILÉS SAID HIS FAMILY PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN SOWING THE SEEDS OF HIS PRIESTLY VOCATION
FAITH, VALUES AT HOME SHAPED NEW BISHOP OF CORPUS CHRISTI
BY BRENDA NETTLES RIOJAS
Before Before he was a priest or a bishop, Mario Alberto Avilés grew up learning the importance of family and faith. The youngest of five children, he was instilled with a devotion to Our Blessed Mother Mary by his mother and grandmother; the example of his parents taught him the meaning of commitment.
“It’s because of my family that I am here,” he said,
“because of the example of my parents’ commitment to each other for so many years.” “Mis viejitos,” he affectionately calls them. The son of Rafael and María Guadalupe Avilés, he was born in Mexico City on Sept. 16, 1969.
Bish op Avilés’ parents have been married for more than 70 years. On their golden wedding anniversary in 2025, their youngest son officiated
In 2005, then Fr. Avilés celebrated the Mass for the Golden Wedding Anniversary of his parents.
Courtesy of the Avilés Family (3)
the renewal of their wedding vows. One year later, in 2006, he also officiated at his grandparents’ 75th wedding anniversary. Most recently, on August 13, 2025, he again celebrated his parents’ anniversary, marking more than seven decades of marriage.
“It was a very special moment for me,” he said. “I was a product of that love and commitment they made 70 years ago in 1955.”
His sister Rocio Avilés remembers that day. “We never imagined that my brother would celebrate the Mass for my parents’ 50th anniversary at the same
church (Parroquia de San Vicente Ferrer) where they were married in Mexico City, at the same time, 1 pm on August 13.
Rocio, 13 years older than her brother, watched over him as a second mother. She said that while her brother may have been the youngest, he was always mature for his age and made the right decisions.
“He is a wonderful brother, a wonderful son,” she said. “He has a big heart.”
She, too, credits their parents’ example for their strong family ties. “Our parents always emphasized
In 2005, then Fr. Avilés celebrated the Mass for the Golden Wedding Anniversary of his parents.
Courtesy of the Avilés Family (3)
that we should be close.”
Wh en Bishop Avilés decided to enter the seminary of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in 1986, he spoke to his parents and to each of his siblings. “We all supported him,” said his sister. “We knew God had marked his path for him.”
She remembers the advice she gave him, telling him the Church needed priests who worried about the young. She also told him to prepare himself well and not to remain seated in the sacristy.
“ We have been blessed by God,” she said. “We are all so happy he was named a bishop.”
His father, Rafael Avilés Hernández, said words could not express the emotion he felt as his son was elevated to the office of a bishop. “First, I am grateful to God.”
“From the moment he made his decision (to enter the priesthood), we have always been at his side.”
“ To think, we have a new fisher of men,” he added.
“Principally, as a son, I wish him all the best,” he said. “He has responded to everything a human being should learn and then apply. Above all, share it with others in the best way possible.”
Rafael Avilés said many people helped his son along the way as he grew up in Mexico City.
Bishop Avilés’ mother said she never imagined her son would become a bishop. She shared her husband’s joy and gratefulness to God. An added joy, she said, was having all her family united for the Ordination Mass for “el pequeño de la familia”. She said, surely God has marked his path.
When Avilés was ordained a priest almost 28 years ago on July 21, 1998, at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle – National Shrine, both his parents took up the gifts, the bread and wine, to the altar.
On Feb. 22, 2018, his parents again brought up
the gifts, this time for his ordination as a bishop.
“It was truly a blessing,” said Bishop Avilés, “and I am thankful to the Lord for this opportunity of having my parents at my episcopal ordination.”
Although he does not see his parents in Mexico City as often as he would like, Bishop Avilés keeps in close contact with them. Family, he said, is important. “That is why in my coat of arms I included my family crest.”
Bishop Avilés recalled several memories of home and living with his family. “We experienced good times and bad times and conflicts and discussions, but definitely a family where faithfulness was present. Faithfulness to the sacrament of marriage.”
“My parents were always there for us,” he said. “We were not a well-off family,” he said, but the family spent time together either in the day-to-day of life or celebrating birthdays and other special occasions.
Even a trip to the park could feel like a vacation. “It was a very normal family,” said Bishop Avilés, “but a family that always showed me and my brothers and my sister, that faithfulness to the Lord, that commitment of staying together and being an example and a help to each other.”
Bishop Avilés shared that his mother, while raising four sons and one daughter, assigned chores to everyone at home. “There was no difference between the girls and the boys,” he said, when it came to chores, it was part of being a family.” She even taught the boys how to do laundry and cook.
However, he said not everyone was successful in the kitchen, as it is not one of his strengths. But for a taste of home, the sopa de fideo brings back memories.
Living in Mexico City, his sister Rocio Avilés said, “We want him to know the entire family is with him, and we wish him the best. May he continue to follow the path God has entrusted to him.”
As a seminarian in Rome with St. Pope John Paul II.
On the day of his baptism.
Congratulations, Bishop Mario a. avilés, Co!
B ishop Michael F. Olson, the priests, deacons, seminarians, consecrated religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth pray for and congratulate you on the occasion of your installation as Bishop of Corpus Christi. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and bless you in your apostolic ministry.
of FORT WORTH CATHOLIC DIOCESE
BISHOP AVILÉS DIJO QUE SU FAMILIA DESEMPEÑÓ UN PAPEL IMPORTANTE EN SU VOCACIÓN SACERDOTAL
Se aprenden las lecciones de la vida en la familia
POR BRENDA NETTLES RIOJA, THE VALLEY CATHOLIC
Antes de que fuera un sacerdote u obispo, Mario Alberto Avilés creció aprendiendo la importancia de la familia y la fe. El más chico de cinco hijos, su madre y abuela le inculcaron una devoción a Nuestra Santa madre María; el ejemplo de sus padres le enseñaron el significado del compromiso.
“Es por mi familia que estoy aquí,” dijo él, “por el ejemplo de compromiso de mis padres hacia ellos por tantos años.” “Mis viejitos,” como los llama afectivamente. Hijo de Rafael Avilés y María Guadalupe Campos, el nació en la Ciudad de México el 16 de septiembre de 1969.
Los padres del Obispo Avilés han estado casados por 70 años. Para el aniversario an este año y a sus bodas de oro en el 2005, su hijo menor ofició la renovación de sus votos. Él también ofició el aniversario de bodas número 75 de sus abuelos en 2006.
“F ue un momento muy especial para mí,” dijo él. “yo fui el producto de ese amor y compromiso que hicieron hace 70 años, en 1955.”
Su h ermana Rocío Avilés recuerda ese día. “Nunca imaginamos que mi hermano celebraría la Misa para el aniversario 50 de mis padres en la misma iglesia (Parroquia de San Vicente Ferrer) dónde se casaron en la Ciudad de México, en la misma fecha y hora – agosto 13, 1 pm.
Rocío, la mayor y con trece años más que él, cuidó de su hermano como una segunda madre. Ella
Mario Avilés como seminarista en Roma, junto al Papa San Juan Pablo II.
dijo que mientras su hermano era el más joven, siempre fue muy maduro para su edad e hizo las decisiones correctas.
“E s un hermano maravilloso, un hijo maravilloso,” dijo ella. “Tiene un gran corazón.”
Ella también le da crédito al ejemplo de sus padres por sus fuertes lazos familiares. “Nuestros padres siempre enfatizaron que debemos de estar cerca.”
Cuando el Obispo Avilés decidió entrar al seminario del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri en 1986, habló con sus padres y con cada uno de sus
hermanos. “Todos lo apoyamos,” dijo su hermana. “Sabíamos que Dios había marcado su camino por él.”
Ella recuerda el consejo que le dio, diciéndole que la Iglesia necesitaba sacerdotes que se preocuparan por los jóvenes. Ella también le dijo que se preparara bien y que no se quedara sentado en la sacristía.
“Hemos sido bendecidos por Dios,” dijo ella. “Estamos tan contentos”, fue nombrado obispo. Su padre, Rafael Avilés Hernández, dijo que las palabras no podían expresar la emoción que sintió
La familia Avilés: la hermana y los cuatro hermanos con sus padres.
De niño, junto a su madre. El día de su primera comunión.
cuando su hijo fue ascendido a la oficina de obispo. “Primeramente, estoy agradecido con Dios.”
“Desde el m omento que él hizo su decisión (de entrar al sacerdocio), siempre hemos estado de su lado.”
“Pensar que tenemos un nuevo pescador de hombres,” añadió.
“Principalmente, como hijo,” dijo él, “le deseo todo lo mejor. Él ha respondido a todo lo que un ser humano puede aprender y aplicar. Sobre todo, compartirlo con otros de la mejor forma posible.”
Rafael Avilés dijo que hubo muchos que ayudaron a su hijo en el camino mientras crecía en la Cuidad de México.
La madre del Obispo Avilés dijo que nunca se imaginó que su hijo sería obispo. Ella comparte la dicha de su esposo y el agradecimiento a Dios. Una alegría mayor, dijo ella, fue el tener a toda su familia reunida para la Misa de ordenación para el pequeño de la familia. Dijo ella, seguro que Dios ha marcado su camino.
Cuando Avilés fue ordenado como sacerdote, hace casi 20 años el 21 de julio de 1998 en la Basílica de Nuestra Señora de San Juan del Valle – Santuario Nacional, ambos padres llevaron la ofrenda, el pan y el vino, al altar.
Avanzando al 22 de febrero del 2018 y sus padres una vez más traen la ofrenda, esta vez para su ordenación como obispo.
“Fue una verdadera bendición,” dijo el Obispo Avilés, “y estoy verdaderamente agradecido con el Señor por esta oportunidad de tener a mis padres en mi ordenación episcopal.”
“Esos momentos que viví en la ordenación – verlos caminar por el pasillo con el pan y el vino para la consagración; volvió a mí esa memoria de hace 20 años. Claro, mis padres eran más jóvenes.
Si bien no puede visitar a sus padres en la ciudad de México tan a menudo como él quisiera, el Obispo Avilés se mantiene en contacto. La familia, dijo él, es importante. “Es por eso que mi escudo de armas incluye mi blasón familiar.”
El Obispo Avilés recordó varias memorias del hogar y vivir con su familia. “Hemos pasado buenos momentos y malos ratos y conflictos y discusiones, pero definitivamente la familia es en donde la fidelidad ha estado presente. la fidelidad al sacramento del matrimonio.”
“Mis padres siempre estuvieron ahí para nosotros,” dijo él.
“No éramos una familia acomodada,” dijo él, pero la familia pasaba tiempo juntos, ya sea en el día a día de la vida o celebrando cumpleaños y otras ocasiones especiales. Incluso un paseo por el parque podía sentirse como unas vacaciones.
“Fue una familia muy normal,” dijo el Obispo Avilés, “pero una familia que siempre me mostró a mí y a mis hermanos y hermana que la fidelidad al Señor, del compromiso de seguir juntos y ser un ejemplo los unos para los otros.”
El Obispo Avilés compartió que su madre, durante la crianza de cuatro hijos y una hija, le dio a cada uno deberes en el hogar. “No había diferencia entre niñas y niños,” dijo él, “cuando se trataba de deberes, era parte de ser una familia”.” Ella incluso le enseñó a los niños a lavar la ropa y cocinar.
Sin embargo, él dijo que no todos tuvieron éxito en la cocina, ya que no es uno de sus fuertes. Pero para saborear el hogar, la sopa de fideo le trae recuerdos.
Viviendo en la Ciudad de México, su hermana Rocío Avilés dijo, “Queremos que sepa que toda la familia está con él, y que le deseamos lo mejor. Que continúe siguiendo el camino que Dios ha confiado para él.”
El día de su ordenación sacerdotal, el 21 de julio de 1998.
Cortesía de la Diócesis de Brownsville
Birthday: September 16, 1969
Born and raised: Mexico City
SHORT PROFILE
Bishop Mario Alberto Avilés, C.O.
Parents: Rafael Avilés and María Guadalupe Avilés
Siblings: Rocio, Victor, Rafael and Marco 4 nieces and five grandnephews
Favorite Bible Verse: The Love of God has been poured out into our hearts. Romans 5:5
Favorite Saint or Bible character: St. Philip Neri
Studies: Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Sacred Scripture - Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum
Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision
Favorite place to be: Heaven
Episcopal Motto: “Caritas Dei diffusa est in cordibus nostris” (“The love of God has been poured out into our hearts”), Romans 5:5
Favorite Bible verse: his episcopal motto from Romans 5:5
Favorite Prayer: The Rosary and the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Role models: The Lord, and my founder, St. Philip Neri
In my free time… I try to find time to rest; we are called to take care of ourselves. It doesn’t mean sleeping; it means resting in the Lord, spending time with Him.
Welcome, Bishop Mario Avilés!
Students from our Catholic Schools want to welcome our new Bishop and invite them to visit soon! Many third- and fourth-grade students participated, and we can publish only a small selection of all the beautiful drawings we received here. More will be shown on our social media. Thank you to all students and teachers from St. Patrick School, St. Pius X School, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy in Corpus Christi, Sacred Heart School in Rockport and St. Elizabeth of Hungary School in Alice.
Amelia Medrano, Grade 4, St. Pius X, Corpus Christi
Elenka Esparza, Grade 3, St. Elizabeth, Alice
Monse, Grade 3, Sacred Heart, Rockport
Ava Garcia, Grade 4, St. Pius X, Corpus Christi
Ruben Rodriguez, Grade 4, St. Pius X, Corpus Christi
Brady Steckler, Gr. 3, Sacred Heart, Rockport
Noah Dominguez, Grade 4, St. Patrick, Corpus Christi
Kaydence Dominguez Grade 3, St. Elizabeth, Alice
Ava Espinoza, Grade 4, St. Patrick, Corpus Christi
Isabella Camacho, OLPH, Corpus Christi
THE BISHOP’S INSIGNIA
His Coat of Arms and a special Pectoral Cross
Coat of Arms
The left side, with the three chalices, represents the Diocese of Corpus Christi, his new appointment.
The right side contains his former Coat of Arms, which was integrated into the new one (a process called impalement).
On th e right side, the upper-left portion with a red background, contains a triple-towered castle, the central tower higher and winged all in gold, placed on a silver field with blue waves. The castle is taken from Bishop Avilés’ family name and represents the importance of the essential virtues and unity inherent to family life.
Th e upper-right portion, with a gold background, features a field of red roses honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, recalling Bishop Avilés’s Mexican heritage and the miracle of the roses through which Our Lady impressed her image on the tilma.
The lower-right portion (middle base) with a blue background contains three eight-pointed gold stars. It is taken from the Neri family crest and used by the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, of which Bishop Avilés has been a member since the beginning of his vocation.
For his motto, Bishop Avilés has chosen the
words “Caritas Dei diffusa est in cordibus nostris” (“The Love of God has been poured out into our hearts”), recalling St. Paul’s epistle to the Romans 5:5 and used in the Holy Mass at the introit for the feast of St. Philip Neri.
Th e achievement is completed with the external ornaments, which include a gold processional cross placed at the back and the pontifical hat, called a “galero,” with its six tassels in three rows on either side of the shield, all in green. These are the heraldic insignia of a prelate of the rank of bishop, by instruction of the Holy See.
The Pectoral CrossA gift from St. John Paul II
Along with the miter, the crozier, and the ring, the pectoral cross is one of the symbols of the office of the bishop. Bishop Avilés has received a pectoral cross as a gift from Bishop Daniel E. Flores. It was originally presented to Cardinal Adam Maida of the Archdiocese of Detroit by Pope (now Saint) John Paul II during his visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
Congratulations
Bishop Mario Avilé s , CO
Diocese of Corpus Christi
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS; Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak; Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda and the faithful of the Archdiocese of San Antonio congratulate Bishop Mario Avilés, CO, on his appointment by Pope Leo XIV as shepherd of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. We offer our prayers as you begin your new episcopal ministry in the Coastal Bend.
HOW BEING A TEACHER, PRINCIPAL AND SUPERINTENDENT SHAPED OUR NEW BISHOP
A Teacher at Heart
BY JESSE DELEON
By using parables and storytelling, leading by example, and offering direct instruction, Jesus was understandably referred to as the Great Teacher. In teaching his followers about God’s Kingdom, he masterfully taught lessons that focused on love and service, humility, and faith and prayer. He imparted his knowledge as both God and man to the faithful. So, it seems fitting that our priests, as God’s agents through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, become teachers to the faithful, as well. But when a priest has academic qualifications and impressive tenure as a professional educator, his ability to guide and instruct the faithful can bear even more fruit. Bishop Mario Alberto Avilés, C.O., who will be installed as the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi on January 28, 2026, possesses that unique combination of academic accomplishment and real-world experience that underscores his commitment to serving and educating God’s people.
Bishop Avilés’ beginnings in education were indeed humble. He worked in the school cafeteria taking lunch orders. His days soon progressed from ensuring that lunch orders were correct to aspiring to serve as a teacher. It was a significant step.
“Little by little, I got my education, leading me to serve in another role,” recalls Bishop Avilés. “I went through the alternative certification for teachers, then I got my certification, and then I started teaching at the school in the parish where I was assigned, which was St. Jude Thaddeus in Pharr, Texas.”
That role as teacher not only set the stage for what was to come, but it proved to be a kind of dramatic springboard that led Bishop Avilés to further combine his skills in both ministry and instruction. And it also equipped him for a new role following an unexpected situation.
“ The principal of the school had to step down because she got sick, and it was in the middle of the school year,” says Bishop Avilés. “We didn’t have an assistant principal, and there was really no one who had the education to step up as the interim principal.”
That seemin gly desperate situation cleared an unexpected pathway for Bishop Avilés. After accepting the role of interim principal, he obtained a waiver to serve as the
Dr. Rebecca Hammel is excited that our new Bishop has a background in education.
Credit: Susanne
Janssen
The Oratory Academy of St. Philip Neri in Pharr, where Bishop Avilés served as a principal.
head school administrator. He also enrolled in a principal certification program. Balancing his daily administration duties with completing the coursework kept Bishop Aviles busy. In seven years, he successfully achieved a master’s degree in education administration and supervision and is a certified teacher in the state of Texas.
“It was a wonderful experience,” recalls Bishop Avilés of his time as principal at St. Jude Thaddeus School. “I was able to be principal when our school had an enrollment of 700 kids. In a situation like that, you really get to know your teachers and your staff, but it is also an opportunity to be a model for the students.”
Bishop Avilés’ experience as an educator and administrator will bring unique depth and breadth to the continued development and mission of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
“I think it is most definitely advantageous that he has that background because schools carry a culture that is different from a typical work or business atmosphere or experience,” says Dr. Rebecca Hammel, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Corpus Christi. “Having that understanding of that culture and the day-to-day activities is really going to help us, I believe. Schools are a unique environment, and I think his experience is just going to put him in a position to see things more quickly or readily and to be able to offer some newer and different insights.”
“I feel so blessed that Bishop Mulvey and Bishop Avilés are deeply committed to Catholic education,” says Dr. Hammel. “I think anytime there’s change, there’s opportunity, and Bishop Avilés will lead us through that change for the good of our schools. As the teaching arm of the church and a major tool for evangelization, we need our schools to thrive. I believe he’s going to want to support every endeavor that enables that to happen.”
Bienvenido! Bienvenido!
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Welcome, Bishop Mario Avilés! Welcome, Bishop Mario Avilés!
Missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
12940 Leopard St Corpus Christi, TX
Bishop Michael J. Sis and the people of the Diocese of San Angelo congratulate
Bishop Mario Avilés, C.O. on his installation as the Bishop of Corpus Christi
Welcome, The Most Reverend Bishop Mario Alberto Avilés!!!
The Pastor and Parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Robstown and St. Patrick’s Mission, San Patricio, welcome The Most Reverend Mario Alberto Avilés, Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
May the Lord God bless him abundantly as he shepherds the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas. Happy New Year 2 26!
CHRISTUS Health welcomes and honors Bishop Mario Avilés as he begins his sacred mission of guiding our Catholic community. As we fulfill our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, we share in this calling to serve with compassion, dignity and faith. Together, we are building a legacy of care you and your family can trust. Visit CHRISTUShealth.org to learn more. Find
WELCOME, BISHOP MARIO AVILÉS
TO THE DIOCESE OF CORPUS CHRISTI!
We welcome you with open arms. May the Holy Spirit guide you always in your new ministry!
The staff and the parishioners of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church 3901 Violet Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78410
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
With hearts full of gratitude and joy, the community of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish & Academy warmly welcomes our new shepherd, Bishop Mario A. Avilés, to the Diocese of Corpus Christi. His presence among us is truly a gift of the Holy Spirit, and we look forward to walking together in faith as he leads us with wisdom, compassion, and courage.
May his ministry inspire deeper unity, renewed zeal for the Gospel, and a spirit of hope in every parish and family. We entrust your service to the loving care of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and pray that the Lord will bless him abundantly as he begins this sacred mission among us. Welcome to the
Con el corazón lleno de gratitud y alegría, la comunidad de la Parroquia y Academia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro da una calurosa bienvenida a nuestro nuevo pastor, el Obispo Mario A. Avilés, a la Diócesis de Corpus Christi. Su presencia entre nosotros es verdaderamente un don del Espíritu Santo, y esperamos caminar juntos en la fe mientras nos guía con sabiduría, compasión y valentía.
Que su ministerio inspire una unidad más profunda, un renovado celo por el Evangelio y un espíritu de esperanza en cada parroquia y familia. Encomendamos su servicio al amoroso cuidado de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro y oramos para que el Señor lo bendiga abundantemente mientras comienza esta sagrada misión entre nosotros.
¡Bienvenido al Cuerpo de Cristo!
A REFLECTION ON THE DIOCESAN LEADERSHIP OF BISHOP MICHAEL MULVEY (2010-2025)
A Shepherd Who Built Communion
BY MARC CERVANTES, CHANCELLOR, WITH FR. PETE ELIZARDO.
Only a few people witness the daily commitments required of a Bishop. Therefore, this article will highlight a few points and offer a glimpse into what Bishop Mulvey accomplished during his lengthy tenure, which began with his Episcopal Ordination and Installation in early 2010.
Upon his arrival in 2010, Bishop Mulvey immediately began his ministry by visiting parishes throughout our diocese to celebrate with the youth by conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation. He has continued to confirm approximately 850 to 1000 youth every year to this day. Later that same year, Bishop Mulvey broke ground at Pax Christi for the new Liturgical Retreat Center, which includes a public chapel in the Calallen area.
In mid-2011, Bishop Mulvey began working with clergy and laity to prepare for the diocese’s 100th Anniversary. In preparing for the centennial, Bishop Mulvey wrote, “I am hoping that we can become more aware as the People of God in this area that the faith we have is rooted in the sacrifices and faith of many people, clergy, religious and laity. What we have today is a gift of God’s grace and built on the faithful response of many others over the past 100 years.”
A Shepherd Who Listened
Much of Bishop Mulvey’s achievements and his tenacity in the daily grind of life as a Bishop can be attributed to his ability to simply listen. When confronted with tough issues, he often listened first, reflected, and acted later rather than sooner. This skill would prove helpful in leading an entire
Diocese of lay faithful and religious.
In 2016, Bishop Mulvey consulted with the presbyterate and the lay faithful to identify areas of immediate need in the diocese. He directed a feasibility study that reached out to all pastors, key religious leaders, and the laity. After further discussion with a Priest Advisory Committee, five areas of need were identified as the most pressing: 1. Caring for retired clergy; 2. Investing in young adults; 3. Increasing access to Catholic education and support for seminarians’ education; 4. Providing ministry support to brothers and sisters in need in outlying areas of the diocese; and 5. Directing financial support to parishes. Attention to these five areas would serve as the core focus of his entire episcopacy.
Sin ce its inception, Bishop Mulvey has embraced and encouraged diocesan-wide participation in the Synod on Synodality, which was initiated by the late Pope Francis in 2021. He welcomed the diocesan task of becoming a more synodal church by embracing the core themes of communion, participation, and mission. At its core, the synodal process encourages, at virtually every level, the difficult but necessary virtue of listening to one another – all to open lines of communication diocesan-wide from top to bottom. Bishop Mulvey concluded this commitment in 2025 by traveling to Rome with a team of Diocesan laity to participate in Synodal meetings during the Jubilee Year of Hope.
In collaboration with his presbyteral council, Bishop Mulvey would also establish “Fraternity Days,” an annual gathering where all the priests
Bishop Mulvey with some students at the inauguration of the Newman Center at Coastal Bend College in Beeville.
would come together for fellowship with one another and with the Bishop. Bishop Mulvey would also gather many priests through various committees to collaborate on the difficult administrative task of running a Diocese.
Perhaps one of his most joyful opportunities to listen was with the young adults of the Diocese. Recently, Bishop Mulvey has continued to welcome 40-70 young adults to his home for one evening each month. Starting with a potluck-style dinner, young adults would gather in the evening for an encounter with the Bishop that fostered open, honest dialogue, with the aim of deepening their Catholic faith.
A Shepherd who Transformed Buildings
In 2012, Bishop Mulvey announced the Legacy of Faith and Future of Hope Capital Campaign. Through this effort, Bishop Mulvey constructed what is now the St. John Vianney residence for priests, which many of our retired priests now call home. In addition, he built a Newman Center in Beeville, Texas, for the students of what is now Coastal Bend College. He also added a new Newman Center on the grounds of Texas A&M Kingsville, with the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. He built a new chapel at the Newman Center at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, expanding the existing Newman Center there.
Bishop Mulvey has continued major building improvements with a complete renovation of the Cathedral’s Emmanuel Chapel, completed in
2023. The following year, and a presently ongoing effort is a complete interior renovation of the main portion of the Corpus Christi Cathedral, a feat that has not taken place in over 40 years. Future widescale plans are in place for the entirety of the Cathedral campus.
A Shepherd to the Incarcerated and Afflicted
Bishop Mulvey dedicated himself to being a good shepherd to those incarcerated. He reminded them of how much the God of mercy loves them, taking time throughout the year to minister to them in jails and prisons across South Texas.
For many years, Bishop Mulvey studied and admired the worldwide ministry known as the Fazenda de Esperanza (“Farm of Hope”). The Farm of Hope offers a life-transforming experience for those struggling with addiction. The unique aspect of recovery and hope that the Farm of Hope offers is rooted in the Catholic theological traditions of Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Catechesis. In 2023, the Farm of Hope became a reality: the first Farm in the U.S. opened in Robstown, TX. This ministry continues to this day.
As a community and as a Diocese, we give thanks to the Holy Spirit for the pastoral care and guidance Bishop Mulvey has provided. We continue to ask God to bless him as he transitions into retirement, and we continue our journey with our new shepherd, Bishop Mario Avilés!
INTERVIEW WITH BISHOP MICHAEL MULVEY
Growing Together in Faith
What is in your heart when you look at the diocese now?
Bishop Mulvey: What fills my heart at the moment is gratitude, an immense gratitude to God for his love and fidelity shown to me especially over the past 16 years.
I am grateful to the priests who have served with me as my first collaborators in the mission of the Church. As I imagine Jesus with his first apostles, so I consider the presbyterate of Corpus Christi similar. Among us there is a diversity of personalities, talents, cultures and languages, but each one I know has an evangelizing spirit, praying and working to make Christ known and loved by all we serve.
Alon gside the priests, many deacons have faithfully served in the ministry of the word and charity. Their dedication together with their wives’ support has been a true gift to me and to the pastors with whom they have served.
I am also indebted to the many consecrated men and women in the diocese who give witness and service to the mission of the Church in a variety of ways.
It has been a joy to spend time with them in their ministry, during days of reflection and as brothers and sisters in their local communities. I particularly want to express my deepest gratitude to the SistersServants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (Pink Sisters) for their fidelity in prayer for the diocese, priests, seminarians, and for me personally. They have been a genuine spiritual support to my life and ministry as bishop.
The laity of the Diocese of Corpus Christi cannot go unmentioned. Laity covers a multitude of ages, vocations and states of life. To all of you I am most grateful and humbled to have served as your bishop over the past 16 years.
Is there any special moment of challenge that you can recall?
Bishop Mulvey: Of course! There were three big challenges: Hurricane Harvey, The Freeze (2019) and Covid-19. These were particularly difficult moments that we lived through and in some ways are still dealing with today. However, when there is a crisis people pull together and reach out to those most in need. All three of these moments have been examples of our community’s willingness to serve. On a positive note, after I arrived in Corpus Christi in 2010, I became aware of two needed projects that seemed to have support from priests and the lay faithful alike. One was a residence for priests after they retire and the other was an increase presence of Newman Centers at our local universities and colleges. With the help and support of many people, we began a Capital Campaign entitled Legacy of Faith, Future of Hope. Within a couple of years, we were able to build the St. John Vianney Residence for Priests, which today serves several priests in retirement and others who are working in extra parochial ministry such has hospital chaplaincy. Three other construction projects to build or expand Newman Centers to serve the needs of young Catholics at Texas A&M–Kingsville, Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend College in Beeville followed. Every time I visit one of these Newman Centers, I see the strong effects of the ministry there and the impact it is having among young people.
What other areas of ministry have you seen grow over these years?
Bishop Mulvey: There are four areas in particular that I would like to highlight. Young adult and parish youth programs have flourished in the past couple
of years which brings much life to the diocese. One young lady said at the State of the Diocese gathering, “I feel that I’ve been seen.” That remark really touched me, because what we have done over the past 15 years has helped the young people of the diocese know that they are welcomed and needed.
In addition to the exceptional ministry of Catholic Charities and Mother Teresa Shelter, another facet of ministry has been opened in the diocese called the Farm of Hope. It is a residential program for people who suffer addictions. While it is still a relatively new and unique ministry, it is much needed and has the potential to touch many people’s lives, both those in the program and others around them. On a special note, there are over 140 Farm of Hope Centers around the world; the Farm of Hope in Corpus Christi is the first in the United States.
I have personally been involved in prison ministry, mainly visiting the St. Dismas Community of the McConnell Unit in Beeville. I am grateful to each of my brothers who are inmates there and in the other locations throughout the diocese for their witness of faith in such difficult circumstances. Maybe without them knowing, they are witnesses to the power of faith, the strength of hope and the beauty of charity. A special thanks to the deacons, priests and lay volunteers who faithfully serve our incarcerated brothers and sisters throughout the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
Finally, I want to give recognition to the tremendous growth of our Communications Ministry in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. It was a dream from the beginning after I received a call from a young person asking about the use of social media in helping to evangelize her age group. With God’s help and so much talent in the diocese, our methods of communication have and are continuing to grow beyond expectation.
What is in your heart as you pass on the baton to the next bishop?
Bishop Mulvey: First of all, I want to welcome Bishop Avilés to his new home in Corpus Christi. I have known him for several years, but I have come to know him well over the last few months. I am enthusiastic and grateful for what he can bring to the diocese. The ministry of each bishop is based on his love of God and the People of God he is sent to serve. A bishop’s God-given gifts and talents enrich his ministry as he shares his life with the whole Church. Bishop Mario has a humble spirit and a lot of experience in ministry marked by his unique gifts and talents. I know that what he can offer to the people of the Diocese of Corpus Christi will be an enrichment for all.
Bishop Mario will be a compelling witness to Jesus Christ and a respected leader in the Church. Welcome to the Diocese of Corpus Christi, my friend!
Parishioners, community members, share memories and messages
“ We thank Bishop Michael Mulvey with deep gratitude for his years of faithful service, pastoral leadership, and generous heart given to our diocese. Through his guidance, many have been strengthened in faith, unity, and love for the Church. His dedication to priests, religious, and the lay faithful has left a lasting spiritual legacy among us. We pray that the Lord richly bless him with peace, good health, and joy in the next chapter of his ministry.”
Fr. Raju Thottankara, Vicar for Clergy and Moderator of the Curia
“ Bishop Mulvey is the reason that the Newman Center grew so much. Honestly, I have nothing but big thanks to him because the Newman Center is such an important part of my life today and has given me a community centered in Christ and love, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Georgia Vergara, Sophomore at TAMUCC
“ Serving alongside Bishop Mulvey for all these years, first as Diocesan Deputy, then in various positions with the Knights of Columbus, and finally as State Deputy for the Texas State Council, has been a blessing to me as well as to the Order. As Knights, we experience friendship by working together for a common cause. That friendship deepened when Bishop Mulvey accepted the role of State Chaplain for the Texas State Council Knights of Columbus. I, as well as all the Texas Knights, am very blessed to have met you and to work with you for the good of the Order. Your inspiring and beautiful homilies and addresses have left a lasting impact on all of us. As State Deputy and as a friend, allow me to thank you for your service and commitment to this beloved Order, and for serving as our State Chaplain. May God bless you and keep you in His love.”
Ron Alonzo, State Deputy Texas State Council, Knights of Columbus
BISHOP MULVEY!
members, Diocesan colleagues and more messages of thanks
“ On behalf of the Hispanic community of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, we want to thank you for your years of support for our community in our parishes and at diocesan gatherings. You made us feel special, seen and loved, and we wish you all the best on your retirement.”
Jaime Reyna, Director of Hispanic Ministry
“ From the time you visited my humble parish in Taft to the moment you confirmed me, your presence has been a true blessing, not just to me but to the entire diocese. During your final year as a bishop, you graciously opened your home to us young adults, allowing us to get to know you not only as a bishop but as an individual. Thank you for being our father and our leader, and our brother. I perceive our Lord radiating through you, and your presence will surely be missed.”
Andrew Perez, Young Catholic Adults
“ Thank you, Bishop Mulvey, for being a good shepherd to us and an instrument of the Holy Spirit. In my early college days, I didn’t realize you were the one who thought to reach out to young adults through Theology on Tap and other events. I was blessed to attend and, over the years, saw young adults gather and flourish in our diocese. Thank you for thinking of us. Your pilgrimages have greatly affected many people and lit a fire in our faith on this beautiful journey together. Thank you for your many years of saying yes to God. ”
Liana Badillo, Young Catholic Adults
Parishioners, community members, share memories and messages
“ Bishop Mulvey, we would like to thank you for your years of faithful leadership, pastoral guidance, and support of Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter. Your commitment to serving those most in need has profoundly shaped and strengthened our ministries, allowing us to bring hope, dignity, and compassion to countless individuals and families throughout the Coastal Bend. As you enter retirement, we celebrate your legacy of servant leadership, which will continue to inspire our work and mission for generations to come.”
Kathy Pekar, Interim Director of Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi/Mother Teresa Shelter
“ If you asked the majority of St. Dismas Catholic Community in McConnell Unit what they found special about Bishop Mulvey, you would get answers as diverse as the parishioners. Some of the guys here say it is the love we can feel radiating from him toward us. Some say it’s his willingness to listen to us and genuinely care. Some may say it is the way he never judges us, as most of society does. Some may say his love for our community and the support he gives us. I can honestly say he started me on the most essential part of my walk with Christ: forgiving myself. By forgiving me for harming one of the members of his flock, he helped me get forgiveness in my heart, also. We will all miss him. I thank him for helping me on my path to eternal life and let him know that he is always a member of St. Dismas.”
Alex Derise, McConnell Unit, Beeville
“ On behalf of the over 3100 members of the Corpus Christi Area Knights of Columbus, we offer our most sincere gratitude and continued respect to Bishop Michael Mulvey, upon his retirement. Your many years as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop of the Corpus Christi Diocese, and most recently as State Chaplain to the over 118,000 members of the Texas Knights of Columbus, have enriched our faith in our Lord and inspired us to truly embrace our Order’s pillars of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
Please know that you have been, and will continue to be, a blessing to our Order, and that you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Many of us will never see the sacrifices that you have made and continue to make every day, but please know this: we appreciate you, we are praying for you…. and we love you!”
Sir Knight Victor Garcia, Knights of Columbus
“ We are deeply grateful to you, Bishop Mulvey, for your constant spiritual and pastoral support of the Permanent Deacons. Your guidance, encouragement, and prayerful leadership strengthen us in our vocation of service to the Church and God’s people. We thank you for walking with us to serve with humility, fidelity, joy and for your presence that continues to renew our commitment to Christ and His Church.”
Deacon Jesse Hinojosa, Office of Permanent Diaconate
“On behalf of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), we express our heartfelt thanks to Bishop Michael Mulvey for his faithful and generous service as our Ordinary since 2010. Over these years, Bishop Mulvey has accompanied our community with wisdom, patience, and genuine pastoral care. With a father’s heart, he has walked closely with us through times of growth, discernment, and challenge, always encouraging us to remain faithful to Christ, to our vocation, and to the life of the Church. His presence and guidance have been a steady source of support and reassurance for our community.
As we look back with deep gratitude, we entrust Bishop Mulvey to the loving care of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. May she watch over him and abundantly intercede for him, and may the Lord reward his generous service with continued strength, peace, and hope in the years ahead.”
Fr. Peter Marsalek, General Priest Servant, and Sr. Mary Aloysius Kim, General Sister Servant
“ Thank you so much for all that you have done for the youth. As a senior in high school, it has been such an honor to witness how much the youth ministry has grown in the diocese. Seeing more youth want to be more involved and start coming to the Catholic faith has been such a joy. You have truly been such a good shepherd to us all, and you will be greatly missed. Your support has made a lasting impact!”
Zoe
Zepeda, Youth Ministry Leadership Team
“ On behalf of the youth of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, thank you for your ministry. Your pastoral guidance and care, particularly in the area of vocations and discernment, have helped many, including myself, discover what God is calling us to do. It has been an honor to know and serve you at Mass, and you have been a great inspiration to me personally. Your support for my discernment has encouraged me greatly to take that step in faith, courage, and love. Thank you, please keep me in your prayers, and God bless you.”
Jacob Peña, Youth Ministry Leadership Team
“ I want to say thank you to Bishop Mulvey – thank you for this beautiful Newman Center that we have here. We have friends here who bring you closer to God. It’s more than just fellowship, and it really helped me to grow in my relationship with God. ”
John Paul Villareal, Senior at TAMUCC
Welcome & bienvenidos Bishop Mario Avilés, to the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
Bishop Brendan Cahill and the faithful here are keeping you and your flock in our prayers.
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