For Archbishop Vásquez, family responsibility and deep roots grow a faithful vocation
March 25, 2025
The whole Vásquez family gathers at Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez’s priestly ordination in San Angelo, Texas. Left to right are brother Samuel Vásquez, his father Juan Vásquez, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez, sister Cynthia Martinez, his mother Elvira Vásquez, brother James Vásquez, sister Consuelo Garza and brother Robert Vásquez. (Photo courtesy of the Vásquez Family)
HOUSTON — Nearly seven hours away from the Downtown Chancery in Houston, in West Texas, is a tiny town named Stamford that is home to just under 3,000 people. Just under 40 miles north of Abilene, Stamford is home to an event venue called The Stagecoach, a restaurant named the Dixie Dog, and an art display called the Truck Bed Ranch. It is here that Archbishop Joe Vásquez’s story began.
The oldest of six children, Archbishop Vásquez would watch over his siblings while their parents worked, making sure they did their chores and helped with their homework.
His sister, Cynthia Martinez of Abilene, Texas, said Archbishop Vásquez was very protective of his younger brothers and sisters.
“A lot of the responsibility fell on him,” she said. “He took good care of us and made sure we helped our parents and each other.”
His sister, Consuelo Garza, also of Abilene, recalls how Archbishop Vásquez also watched them during the summer, ensuring they did their chores, such as cleaning the garage and closets and working on the yard.
But it wasn’t always hard work.
“We would play outside with our neighbors, pick teams, and play kickball, baseball, and tag,” she said of their youth. “When it was really hot, we would run through the sprinklers and chase down the ice cream truck. We had fun and amazing summers.”
His brother, James Vásquez, also of Abilene, said Archbishop Vásquez would delegate work to them much like he does today.
“Joe would always walk around with a stick in his hand, pointing with it, and isn’t it funny how he still has one now and delegating even today. Time hasn’t changed much at all, and I love him for it,” he said. “Though he was hard on us as younger siblings, he has a heart of love and compassion.”
Archbishop Vásquez said his siblings have always been supportive throughout his life.
“As the oldest sibling, I felt a responsibility to care for them, and they continue to be a great source of love,” he said. “I count on their prayers and presence in my life.”
While his parents have both passed, Archbishop Vásquez said their example and support remain with him today.
“My father loved my mother and their six children. His example helped shape my understanding of my priesthood,” he said. “His sacrifice, strength and dedication to our family are traits that I value as a priest.”
While his father was very important in his vocation, initially, he didn’t support him going into the seminary, hoping Archbishop Vásquez would prefer to enter a profession.
“It wasn’t that he did not hold priests in high regard, but he thought the life of a priest would be difficult and lonely,” he said. “He believed I would be happier with a career, a wife and a family. But as time went on, he saw the joy and happiness my vocation brought me, and he changed his mind and fully supported me.”
His father’s support and example helped mold and shape his priesthood.
“Priests are called to be good, loving fathers, care for the Church as a bride, and sacrifice themselves for the Body of Christ,” he said. “Priests become holy by the sacrifice and love they willingly offer the people of God.”
Archbishop Vásquez’s mother was a convert to the Catholic faith. She was born and raised in a Protestant Assembly of God Church. When she married his father, she decided to become Catholic. He said his mother was the one to make sure her children went to Mass, attended religious education, and received the Sacraments.
“As I began to think about the priesthood, my mother inspired me by her faith and particularly by her love for the Eucharist,” he said. “When I told her that I was discerning the priesthood, she was very happy for me and fully supported me. Throughout my formation and priesthood, I know she prayed for me, which brought me great peace. The prayers of a mother are powerful indeed!”
Martinez said it was while attending religious education and youth group at St. Francis Catholic Church in Abilene that she noticed the big impact Monsignor Bernard Gully had on her brother.
“He was never really interested in what most teens were interested in at the time,” she said. “He did all the leg work; this was not something that was pushed on him but something he openly pursued.”
Garza said she recalls that he went to a retreat, and he came back “different.”
“I didn’t really understand because I thought seminary was just like going to another school,” she said.
It wasn’t until her parents asked Archbishop Vásquez if he really wanted to do this that she realized the kind of commitment he was making.
“The impact of him becoming a priest has made me and my family trust in the Lord and know that God has a plan for each one of us,” she said.
Martinez agreed with that sentiment.
“He has given us a deeper understanding and love of our Catholic faith,” she said. “We have dealt with a lot of loss in our family, and we have always been able to draw from his strong faith.”
James Vásquez said his brother’s priestly journey has helped him personally, knowing he could ask Archbishop Vásquez anything about their faith. When he was having marital issues, his brother gave him comfort by praying and telling him that God knew he was hurting.
“Joe doesn’t know, but that made me feel so much better,” he said. “I was hurting at that time, but to hear him tell me was something I will never forget. I felt his comforting words sink in and touch my heart.”
Garza said she has called on her brother’s prayers and comforting words as well. When she was diagnosed with cancer five years ago, she asked for prayers over the phone, and he would listen to her cry when she was scared.
“He said, ‘Trust in Jesus and remember God has a plan.’ I remember he told me to pray the Rosary and ask Mother Mary to help me during this difficult time,” she said.
Garza has been cancer-free for five years. “I continue to do the Rosary, and my faith has grown,” she said.
Garza said her brother is a good and kind person, a good listener, and faithful.
“When he was first ordained, I looked at him, and I could see him as my big brother,” she said. “Then, I could see his transformation as a servant and shepherd of God.”
James Vásquez said seeing his brother be ordained as a priest was a memorable moment for him, as well as being ordained a bishop.
“I know that being installed as an Archbishop will be another great memory,” he said.
Martinez said Archbishop Vásquez “is a faithful servant and will be a good shepherd to the people of Galveston-Houston.”