laVentana: The Voice of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

This podcast is a place to share stories and voices from around the diocese.

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Episodes

Wednesday Dec 31, 2025

En este episodio, escuchamos a personas de dos iglesias de la Diócesis del Oeste de Texas que han participado en proyectos de los ministerios de inmigración. Escucharemos sobre los ministerios en los que participó cada iglesia y algunas de las formas en que esos ministerios afectaron la vida de su iglesia y la vida de sus comunidades.
Historias: Nancy Cook, el Rdo. Jeff Hammond y el Rdo. Dexter Lesieur con las voces de Flor Saldivar, la Rda. Sylvia Vasquez y Rdo. Arnoldo Romero.
Reflexión Teológica: el Rdo. Paul Frey
Escritura (Mateo 2:1-12) leída por el Rdo. Paul Frey
 
Iglesia Episcopal St. Barnabas (Iglesia del Rdo. Jeff Hammond): https://www.stbarnabasfbg.org/
Iglesia Episcopal St. Matthias (Iglesia del Rdo. Dexter Lesieur): https://www.stmatdevine.org/
Iglesia Episocpal de Cristo (Iglesia del Rdo. Paul Frey): https://www.christchurchlaredo.org/ 
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Iglesia de la Rda. Sylvia Vasquez): https://www.stpauls-satx.org/
Iglesia Episcopal St. James (Iglesia del Rdo. Arnoldo Romero): https://www.stjamesdrtx.org/
 
Página Web: https://www.dwtx.org/es/events/advent-podcast
Instagram: @diocesewesttexas 
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
 
Créditos:
Crédito de Musica: Past Memories by Manna Music
Podcast Producido por Polymnia

Monday Dec 29, 2025

In this episode, we hear from three folks at two different churches in the Diocese of West Texas who have participated in outreach projects related to immigration ministries. We'll hear about the ministries each of their churches participated in, and some of the ways those ministries affected the life of their church and the life of their broader communities.
Personal narratives from Rev. Dexter Lesieur, Rev. Jeff Hammond, and Nancy Cook
Scripture (Matthew 2:1-12) read by Suzanna Green, Flor Saldivar, and Rev. Paul Frey
Theological Reflection by the Rev. Paul Frey
 
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church (where Rev. Jeff Hammond serves) https://www.stbarnabasfbg.org/ St. Matthias Episcopal Church (Where Rev. Dexter Lesieur serves) https://www.stmatdevine.org/ 
Website: dwtx.org/events/advent-podcast
Instagram: @diocesewesttexas 
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
 
Credits:
Music Credit: Past Memories by Manna Music
Podcast Produced by Polymnia

Wednesday Dec 17, 2025

En este episodio, escuchamos las historias de dos descendientes de inmigrantes a los Estados Unidos. Dani Jaime, un laico de Brownsville y el archidiácono de nuestra diócesis, el venerable Mike Besson, que comparten sus historias de vivir entre diferentes culturas.
Historias: Dani Jaime y el venerable Mike Besson con la voz de Dani Jaime
Reflexión Teológica: el Rdo. Brian Fox con la voz de la Rda. Karen Morris
Escritura (Mateo 2:19-23) leída por Dani Jaime 
 
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Iglesia del Rdo. Brian Fox): https://www.stpauls-satx.org/
Iglesia Episcopal Emmanuel (Iglesia de la Rda. Karen Morris): https://www.emmanuellockhart.org/
 
Página Web: https://www.dwtx.org/es/events/advent-podcast
Instagram: @diocesewesttexas 
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
 
Créditos:
Crédito de Musica: Past Memories by Manna Music
Podcast Producido por Polymnia

Monday Dec 15, 2025

In this episode, we hear from two descendants of immigrants to the US: Dani Jaime, a lay Episcopalian from Brownsville and the Ven. Mike Besson, Archdeacon of the Diocese of West Texas, who both share their experiences of straddling different cultures over time and place.   
 
Personal narratives from Mr. Dani Jaime and the Ven. Mike Besson
Theological reflection by the Rev. Brian Fox
Scripture (Matthew 2:19-23) read by Mr. Dani Jaime, the Rev. Canon Leyla King, the Rev. Brian Fox 
 
Website: dwtx.org/events/advent-podcast
Instagram: @diocesewesttexas 
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
 
Credits:
Music Credit: Past Memories by Manna Music
Podcast Produced by Polymnia

Wednesday Dec 10, 2025

En este episodio, escucharemos las historias de Maha y el reverendo Georges Jallouf. Maha es originaria de Jordania y el padre Georges es originario de Siria. Escuchemos mientras comparten sus historias de lucha, esperanza y fe.
 
Historias: el Rdo. Georges y Maha Jallouf con la voz del Rdo. Hector Cruz Torres y María Gabriela González-Torres
Reflexión Teológica: el Rdo. Sam Hunnicutt
Escritura (Mateo 2:13-18) leída por Flor Saldivar, Maha Jallouf y el Rdo. Sam Hunnicutt
 
Recursos
Video: Immigration 101: Politica de Inmigracion
Video: La infancia de los cristianos en Jordania, marcada por la segregación
Emergencia en Siria
Video: Al menos 20 muertos en atentado contra iglesia en Siria, cometido por un miembro del EI
 
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church (Iglesia del Rdo. Georges Jallouf): https://stbartcc.com/
Trinity Episcopal Church (Iglesia del Rdo. Sam Hunnicutt): https://trinity-episcopal-church.constantcontactsites.com/
Página Web: https://www.dwtx.org/es/events/advent-podcast
Instagram: @diocesewesttexas 
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
 
Créditos:
Crédito de Musica: Past Memories by Manna Music
Podcast Producido por Polymnia

Monday Dec 08, 2025

In this episode, we’ll hear the stories of Maha and the Rev. Georges Jallouf. Maha is a native of Jordan and Father Georges is a native of Syria. Listen as they share their stories of struggle, hope, and faith along their journey. 
 
Personal narratives from the Rev. Georges and Maha Jallouf
Theological reflection by the Rev. Sam Hunnicut
Scripture (Matthew 2:13-18) read by Flor Saldivar, Maha Jallouf, and the Rev. Sam Hunnicut
Episode Resources:
Video: Immigration 101: Immigration Policy
Religious Persecution in Jordan (scroll to page 3)
What is happening in Syria?
Suicide bombing at Damascus church kills 25, Syrian authorities say
 
 
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church (where the Rev. Georges Jallouf serves): https://stbartcc.com/
Website: dwtx.org/events/advent-podcast
Instagram: @diocesewesttexas 
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
 
Credits:
Music Credit: Past Memories by Manna Music
Podcast Produced by Polymnia

Wednesday Dec 03, 2025

Este episodio es presentado por la Reverenda Leyla King, Canóniga para la Misión en Congregaciones Pequeñas en la Diócesis del Oeste de Texas. Escucharemos las historias de Erika y el Rdo. Evan Hierholzer donde nos contarán cómo encontraron amor navegando por el sistema de inmigracion estadounidense. 
Historias: el Rdo. Evan y Erika Hierholzer con la voz de Hector y Margarita Mejia
Reflexión Teológica: la Rda. Carrie Guerra
Escritura (Lucas 2: 8-20) leída por el Rdo. Evan Hierholzer
 
Recursos
DHS Cancela la Designación de Venezuela al Estatus de Protección Temporal de 2021
TPS: Estatus de Protección Temporal
Video: Miles de venezolanos viven la angustia de ser deportados de EE.UU. | Noticias Telemundo
Video: ¿Qué inmigrantes están en la mira del gobierno de Trump y tienen un mayor riesgo de ser deportados?
 
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church (Iglesia del Rdo. Evan Hierholzer): www.dsholyspirit.org 
St. Francis Episocpal Church (Iglesia de la Rda. Carrie Guerra): https://www.sfcsa.org/
Página Web: https://www.dwtx.org/es/events/advent-podcast
Instagram: @diocesewesttexas 
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
 
Créditos:
Crédito de Musica: Past Memories by Manna Music
Podcast Producido por Polymnia

Monday Dec 01, 2025

In this episode, we hear from Erika Hierholzer and her husband, the Rev. Evan Hierholzer, about falling in love with each other in the midst of their experiences with the US Immigration system.  
 
Personal narratives from the Rev. Evan and Erika Hierholzer
Theological reflection by the Rev. Carrie Guerra
Scripture (Luke 2: 8-20) read by the Rev. Canon Leyla King, the Rev. Evan Hierholzer and the Rev. Carrie Guerra
 
Resources provided by Erika Hierholzer about Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans and the Venezuelan migrants’ experience
DHS Terminates 2021 Designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status | USCIS
About TPS: Temporary Protected Status | USCIS
An article from the LA Times about Venezuelans deported to prison in El Salvador: Venezuelans deported to El Salvador in U.S. immigration crackdown - Los Angeles Times
A short Reuters video from April 2025 featuring Venezuelan detainees: Detained Venezuelan migrants make urgent plea against deportation | REUTERS
 
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church (where the Rev. Evan Hierholzer serves): www.dsholyspirit.org 
Website: dwtx.org/events/advent-podcast
Instagram: @diocesewesttexas 
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
 
Credits:
Music Credit: Past Memories by Manna Music
Podcast Produced by Polymnia

Monday Nov 24, 2025

Bienvenidos! En este episodio escucharán las historias de Isabel y Patricia, dos solicitantes de asilo. Las mujeres compartieron sus historias con nosotros durante su tiempo en el albergue Plaza de Paz de la Diócesis del Oeste de Texas, poco después de llegar a los Estados Unidos. La historia de Isabel es compartida con sus propias palabras con la voz de Margarita Mejia. La historia de Patricia es compartida con sus propias palabras y voz. Nota: Los nombres de las dos mujeres fueron cambiados para proteger su privacidad.
 
Episode Resources:
Personal narratives from Isabel, voiced by Margarita Mejia and Patricia
Theological reflection by The Rt. Rev. Angela Cortiñas
Scripture (Luke 2:1-17) read by The Rt. Rev. Angela Cortiñas and Flor Saldivar
Español
Videos
El Darién - Univision Noticias (00:03:30)
Darien. Lugar de Transito. Destino. - UNHCR (ACNUR) (00:08:39)
Artículos
Asilo y Condición de Refugiado - ACNUR
Informe Mundial: Colombia - Human Rights Watch
Venezuela: Una crisis democrática - Departamento de Estado de EE.UU. 
 
English
Videos
Darien Gap - Doctors without Borders (00:01:55)
Darien Gap - PBS NewsHour (00:10:49)
Articles
What is Asylum? The Fundamentals of Seeking Safety - UNHCR
World Report: Colombia - Human Rights Watch
Venezuela: A Democratic Crisis - U.S. Department of State
 
 
Página Web/Website: dwtx.org/events/advent-podcast
 
Instagram: @diocesewesttexas
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
 
Créditos/Credits:
Crédito de Musica/Music Credit: Past Memories by Manna Music
Podcast Producido por/ Podcast Produced by Polymnia

Monday Nov 17, 2025

In this episode you’ll hear from Suzanna Green, Director of Christian Formation, Leyla King, Canon for Mission in Small Congregations, and Flor Saldivar, Director of Latino+Immigration Ministries as they introduce the podcast series Advent: Stories of Movement and Migration. The team discuss how this podcast came about, define some terms related to movement and migration, share reflections on this week’s scripture passage Mark 1:1-13, and talk about what to expect in some of the upcoming episodes.
 
Episode Resources:
Definitions of Terms in English
UNHCR – What is Asylum?
UNHCR – Who is an asylum seeker?
UNHCR – What is the right to seek asylum?
PBS SoCal - Immigration 101
 
Definition of Terms in Spanish
PBS SoCal – Immigration 101 (Span.)
ACNUR – Quien es una persona migrante?
ACNUR - ¿Quién es una persona solicitante de asilo?
 
Website: dwtx.org/events/advent-podcast
Instagram: @diocesewesttexas
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
 
Credits:
Music Credit: Past Memories by Manna Music
Podcast Produced by Polymnia

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