Page 23 - Catholic Extension Magazine Winter 2019

Extension | Winter 2019 23

Father Roy Snipes, always
accompanied by his dogs,
leads the charge to protect
access to La Lomita Chapel.

programs, sacramental preparation
classes, liturgical celebrations and
fundraising activities at his parish,
which Catholic Extension has sup-
ported.
But La Lomita remains his pri-
mary focus now. In February 2019
120 Congress amended a bill to pro-
tect La Lomita and the surrounding
Years Oblates park, a victory for Father Snipes
have served La and the diocese. Shortly afterward,
Lomita Chapel however, a national emergency on
the border was declared, question-
ing the protections.
served the people of Mission, Father Snipes felt a close con- La Lomita is beloved by the
Texas, for 25 years as pastor of Our nection to the simplicity and entire community of Mission.
Lady of Guadalupe Church. humility of La Lomita. He loved its Every year, thousands of Catholics
At the heart of his parish is La “old culture of sweet hospitality” lead a procession to the chapel
Lomita, a one-room, adobe chapel and no electricity. In 1980 he took on Palm Sunday to honor this holy
on the Rio Grande that is stiring the his final vows as a relgious priest site. They are strongly advocating
debate about border secu- there. to keep access to La Lomita free
rity and religious rights. 2019 u 2020 Donning a Stetson and and open to all.
The diocese objected to accompanied by his many “This threat to our chapel has
the wall near La Lomita, rescue dogs, the folksy turned into a lot of beautiful, pos-
and Father Snipes quickly pastor is fondly called “the itive expressions of tenderness,
became its spokesper- cowboy priest.” faith and devotion,” Father Snipes
son. “This chapel is beau- Lumen He firmly believes the said. “We have tremendous sup-
tiful, sacred and worthy of Christi Gospel is for everyone — port from our community and
respect and reverence,” he including the farmers and now we must keep La Lomita
said. AWARD ranchers he serves. He accessible.”
The chapel is meaning- FINALIST relates to them. “Don’t In guarding the sacred grounds
ful to the Oblates. They dazzle them with your of the chapel, Father Snipes is
travelled great distances on horse- brilliance or baffle them with your showing that courage and convic-
back to minister to the poor and cow patties. You have to come tion are core Catholic values worth
built La Lomita in the late 1800s. down off your high horse,” he said. defending.
Catholic Extension’s first Texas He serves a region with 75,000
grant went to this chapel in 1906. residents. He leads faith formation