Political Padre: Raymundo Chávez Vázquez and Illegal Immigration

He wants to pursue graduate studies in art history and study Italian, things he might do part-time at A&M. These days, his relationship with the Tejanos is improving. They are beginning to believe in Father Raymundo's message — one even called him "a miracle." A few are starting to come back from other parishes. And he's starting to adapt to Aggieland. His English is getting better. He occasionally eats out at Olive Garden after a hard day's work.

"I think the Hispanic community is looking for a real leader, a Martin Luther King, Jr. to serve Spanish speakers," he says. He leans back in his chair, contemplating the idea.

Daniel Kramer

Many longtime church members deserted Santa Teresa's English mass because of Father Raymundo's social activism.

Daniel Kramer

Immigrants travel from all over the Brazos Valley for the mass in Spanish. Since Father Raymundo arrived two years ago, the church has outgrown its space.

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More About

• Garcia Alonzo
• Santa Teresa
• Bryan (Texas)
• Hispanic and Latino Issues
• Religion

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"I don't know if I'm a good leader," he says. "I'm a foreigner. I can't demand things from the government. But I can ask politely."

russell.cobb@houstonpress.com