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You're Invited
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The Diocese of Corpus Christi joyfully invites you to Corpus Christi, Texas, for the Installation of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Mario Alberto Avilés, C.O., as the Ninth Bishop of Corpus Christi. All are welcome to take part in this joyful and historic celebration. The observances will begin with Solemn Vespers on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, Pro-Cathedral, located at 3502 Saratoga Boulevard. The Installation Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the same location, presided over by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, Archbishop of Galveston–Houston, in the presence of His Eminence, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.In addition to on-site parking, overflow parking will be available at St. John Paul II Academy. A complimentary shuttle service will run continuously between the academy and Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, with shuttle service beginning at 12:00 p.m. The public entrance to the church will be on the east side (field side) of Most Precious Blood, and doors will open at 12:30 p.m. The Installation Mass will begin at 2:00 p.m. Following the Installation Mass, shuttles will be available to return guests to St. John Paul II Academy.
Admission to the liturgies does not require tickets; however, seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests are respectfully encouraged to arrive early.
Arrival and Event Parking
Event Guidelines and Expectations
To help maintain a prayerful and reverent atmosphere during the Installation Mass, we kindly ask all attendees to observe the following guidelines. Backpacks and large bags will not be permitted inside Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, with the exception of diaper bags or bags required for medical necessity. In addition, we respectfully ask that members of the public refrain from filming or taking photos during the Mass, including the use of phone cameras, and that no flash photography be used. These measures are in place to minimize distractions and allow all present to fully participate in this sacred liturgy.
Tune in From Work, Home, or Anywhere!
The Installation Mass will be livestream on our website, Facebook, YouTube channel, and the CCCN app. In anticipation of a very large gathering, we warmly encourage those who are able to participate remotely to join us via livestream. Livestreaming for Vespers will begin at 6:15 p.m., and livestreaming of the Installation Mass will begin at 1:30 p.m.
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Event Summary
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Solemn Vespers
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Installation Mass
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Introducing Bishop Mario Alberto Avilés
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Born in Mexico City, Mexico, on September 16, 1969 to Rafael and María Guadalupe Avilés, he joined the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in 1986.
His studies for the priesthood began in Mexico City and continued in Rome, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and sacred theology from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum. He also holds a master’s degree in education administration and supervision and is a certified teacher in the State of Texas.
Bishop Avilés was ordained to the priesthood on July 21, 1998, at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle – National Shrine in San Juan, Texas. Following ordination, he was appointed parochial vicar at St. Jude Thaddeus Church in Pharr, Texas. He also served as a teacher and principal at his Congregation's school.
In 2002, he was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Hidalgo, Texas. From 2000 to 2012, he served as a member of the Permanent Deputation of the Confederation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, and in 2012, he was elected Procurator General.
On December 4, 2017, Pope Francis appointed him Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas. He was consecrated on February 22, 2018, at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle – National Shrine in San Juan, Texas.
On December 1, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed him as the 9th Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
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