Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Mario Avilés as the new bishop of Corpus Christi.
The Mexican-born Avilés, 56, was named as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas by Pope Francis in 2018.
A Grok inquiry revealed Avilés has been a strong advocate for migrants while serving in the Brownsville diocese. We could find no examples of Avilés speaking out against the illegal migrant invasion that took place under the Biden administration.
Key Actions in Migrant Support
Avilés’ hands-on involvement stems from his role in Brownsville, a diocese that operates extensive migrant services, including shelters, legal aid, and family reunification programs through Catholic Charities and diocesan outreach. As auxiliary bishop, he contributed to pastoral councils overseeing these efforts, ensuring resources reached vulnerable populations amid surges in migration.
- Participation in Las Posadas Celebration with Migrants (2019): Avilés joined Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville and Bishop Eugenio Lira of Matamoros, Mexico, at a migrant shelter in Matamoros operated by the Diocese of Matamoros. The event reenacted the Christmas tradition of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, directly paralleling the migrants’ plight. Bishops provided tamales, punch, sweets, and piñatas, while the Knights of Columbus donated food and funds. This act of solidarity extended “a hand to our brothers and sisters who… have come to seek the American dream,” highlighting Avilés’ emphasis on festive, faith-based accompaniment to foster hope among displaced families.
- Support for Diocesan Migrant Services: In Brownsville, Avilés supported operations at facilities like the Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, which offers immediate aid (food, clothing, showers) to over 1,000 migrants daily during peaks. As a member of the diocesan pastoral council since 2011 (pre-episcopacy), he helped integrate migrant ministry into educational and parish programs, training youth and families in border communities to assist arrivals. His Oratorian background—rooted in community service—infused these efforts with a focus on holistic formation, countering trauma through spiritual and educational support.
- Broader Diocesan and Regional Leadership: Avilés collaborated on Brownsville’s response to policy shifts, such as Title 42 expulsions (2020–2023), by advocating for family unity and access to asylum processes. He participated in cross-border dialogues with Mexican bishops to coordinate shelter networks, ensuring safe passage for vulnerable groups like unaccompanied minors and trafficking victims.
Public Statements on Migration
Avilés’ statements are often embedded in homilies, joint episcopal declarations, or conference addresses, underscoring themes of hope, divine love, and biblical hospitality (e.g., Matthew 25:35–40). He avoids partisan rhetoric, instead framing migration as a call to charity amid “the drama of immigration.”
| Date/Event | Statement Summary | Key Themes/Quotes | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 10, 2024: Joint Statement by Mexico-Texas Border Bishops | Signed an 11-page document with eight Texas bishops (including Flores) and five Mexican bishops, urging U.S. and Mexican governments to enact reforms. Proposals included simplifying visas, creating humanitarian corridors, facilitating family reunification, ensuring consular access/justice, and preparing communities for integration. Expressed concern over U.S. detention policies and Mexico’s containment measures. | Biblical basis for welcoming strangers; policy as moral imperative. “Increasing and simplifying the granting of visas… opening safe and legal humanitarian corridors for the most vulnerable migrants and refugees.” | Response to escalating border crossings; Avilés’ signature as auxiliary underscored diocesan solidarity. |
| October 22, 2025: Homily at National Conference for Pastoral Leaders in Hispanic Ministry (Chicago) | Delivered opening Mass homily, linking conference theme (“Joy Anchored in Hope”) to migrants’ struggles. Called leaders to witness “superabundant grace” by proclaiming the Gospel amid U.S. migrant challenges. | Hope as virtue for the displaced; joyful evangelization. “Let us walk together joyfully proclaiming the Gospel… [We must] help ensure that we are not only communicators… but witnesses to this superabundant grace.” Noted “the difficult situation facing the migrant community” as prompting reflection. | Addressed ~250 leaders; tied to USCCB’s National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, prioritizing migrant inclusion. |
| Ongoing Alignment with USCCB Statements (2024–2025) | Supported USCCB’s “Special Message” on immigration (November 2025), emphasizing dignity, reform, and humane enforcement. Echoed Jubilee of Migrants (2025): “In the Church, no one is a stranger.” | Human dignity over fear; balanced security and welcome. “We are disturbed when we see… a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement.” | Regional endorsement; Avilés contributed via border bishop consultations. |