83S10276 BPG-D
By: Alonzo H.R. No. 67
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Distinguished activist Father Jose Alejandro
Solalinde Guerra has inspired countless people through his
humanitarian endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Since April 2013, Father Solalinde has been
traveling across the United States with a caravan of victims turned
advocates to raise awareness of the plight of Central American
migrants; the caravan is called "Opening Doors to Hope," and
members of the group recount their experiences as migrants, discuss
such issues as the historical roots of migration, and educate the
public about human rights violations and criminals who prey on
those in transit; and
WHEREAS, Father Solalinde was born in the State of Mexico in
1945 and joined the Knights of Columbus in his youth; after
finishing his secondary education under the auspices of the Society
of Jesus, he studied classical literature at the High School
Institute of the Carmelite Fathers of Guadalajara before attending
the Institute of Ecclesiastical Studies, where he studied
philosophy and theology; he was ultimately ordained by the bishop
of Toluca; Father Solalinde holds a bachelor's degree in history
from the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, as well as a
bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in systemic
family therapy; and
WHEREAS, After beginning his career in the Diocese of Toluca,
Father Solalinde requested a transfer to the poorest part of
Oaxaca, where he assisted the indigenous Mixtec people;
subsequently transferred to the Diocese of Tehuantepec, he led
several churches, offered family therapy, and established a shelter
for the orphaned, abandoned, and abused; while working in the
diocese, he learned about the kidnappings and other dangers faced
by migrants passing through on freight trains, and in 2007, he
founded a refuge, Hermanos del Camino, or "Brothers of the Road";
the haven has served thousands, and despite death threats from
criminal organizations, he has continued to work tirelessly to ease
the suffering of the most vulnerable and to champion their cause;
and
WHEREAS, This admired leader was presented with the 2012
National Human Rights Award by the chair of the National Human
Rights Commission and by the president of Mexico, Enrique Pena
Nieto; his numerous accolades also include the 2011 Emilio Krieger
Medal, the Peace and Democracy award from the National Association
of Democratic Lawyers, and the Pages Llergo Award for Democracy and
Human Rights; and
WHEREAS, Father Solalinde has made a positive difference in
the lives of innumerable people through his selfless devotion to
the disenfranchised, and his courageous efforts have focused
international attention on the human cost of immigration policies;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Father Jose
Alejandro Solalinde Guerra for his exceptional contributions in
behalf of human rights and extend to him sincere best wishes for
continued success in his important mission; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Father Solalinde as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.