Priesthood in the Valley

The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville’s ecclesial territory consist of four counties in South Texas: Cameron County, Hidalgo County, Willacy County, and Starr County. These four counties constitute the Rio Grande Valley. The locals also call the region, “The Valley” or “El Valle.”

When a person applies for the Diocese of Brownsville, he will be assigned to a parish within the Valley. The priests integrate into an English-Spanish speaking culture. The priests need to speak and read both languages to minister to the people of God. The Diocese runs along the border between the United States and Mexico; therefore, the Diocese is heavily influenced by the Mexican culture.

The Diocese is under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception. With this in mind, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is located in the city of Brownsville. In San Juan, TX, the Diocese has a shrine dedicated to Our Lady, the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle. The local Church entrusts herself to the patronage of Our Lady.