Dear Bishop David L. Toups,

We hope that this letter finds you well, unfortunately we wish we could say the same.  As we are sure you are aware, parishioners of the church were shockingly informed that Father Luis will no longer be presiding as Cristo Rey's lead pastor.  

Father Luis has been instrumental in our Latin community and we cannot imagine Cristo Rey Church without him.  Even while being over 100 years young, his commitment and passion to our parish is still second to none.  He has always prioritized us over his own needs, but now it is our turn to come together to prioritize him.  Bishop David L. Toups, you have been to our church multiple times and have seen that it is a very tight knit and intimate parish.  Removing Father Luis from Cristo Rey would have a detrimental effect for everyone especially when he is still well capable of performing his duties.  We all recently celebrated his 100th birthday and can all agree in amazement how Father Luis still has the energy, enthusiasm, and even candid sense of humor in teaching the word of God. With Father's age, we understand that change is inevitable, but we feel that time is not now as it should be done under his own terms. 

Given Father Luis' longstanding and rich history with the church, lives he has forever changed over the years (and continues to do so), and his impact on our Hispanic community, we strongly ask that Bishop David L. Toups please reconsider your decision to allow Father Luis to continue serving our church.  Cristo Rey is his home and this is where he belongs. 

Respectfully,

Parishioners of Cristo Rey Church, Beaumont, TX & Supporters