MATT Board Member Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of San Antonio Appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles

Released on: May 26, 2010, 04:44 am
Author: Margaret Pulles, PuMa Communications & Cultural Services
Industry: Non Profit

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, member of the Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT ) board of directors since 2006,was recently appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles.

“Archbishop Gomez has been an invaluable asset to our organization, offering wisdom, vision and leadership. We are honored that he will continue to serve and be actively involved on our board as MATT continues to develop and grow,” stated MATT Chairman of the Board Alonso Ancira.

MATT, a bi-national, non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life of both Mexicans and Americans living in Mexico and the United States, has as one of its top priorities the integration of immigrants into American society. As a result, MATT launched an English immersion program dedicated to teach functional English to Spanish-speaking individuals utilizing practical case scenarios such as renting an apartment, opening a bank account, and applying for a job. The lessons are transmitted on the Guadalupe Radio Network and the workbooks are distributed free through parishes and schools. Archbishop Gomez was instrumental in spearheading the MATT Maestro en Casa pilot program, currently implemented in Texas.“Archbishop Gomez had the vision of helping those who lack the communication skills crucial for a healthy and prosperous integration. Without his guidance, Maestro en Casa would not have been as successful as it is today. With Archbishop Gomez involvement, we were able to launch MATT MEC successfully in Texas and are able to expand its presence effectively in other communities, including Los Angeles,” confirms Aracely Garcia-Granados, executive director of MATT.

The MATT family is proud to have had the opportunity to know Archbishop Gomez well and his dedication to the community. MATT is confidant that Archbishop Gomez will be an invaluable asset to all Catholics, primarily those in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. As a native of Monterrey, Mexico, Archbishop Gomez possesses a keen understanding of the hardship, struggles, and needs of migrant communities.“Pope Benedict XVI could not have made a more appropriate appointment at the most timely of moments in our history,” commented Ancira. “He has been a tremendous force in our community and we are confident that this is just the beginning of a most enlightening future for Archbishop Gomez.”

As Coadjutor, Archbishop Gomez will automatically become head of the three-county Archdiocese of Los Angeles upon Cardinal Mahony's retirement on Feb. 27, 2011. The MATT board will be present in the Mass of Reception for Archbishop Gomez scheduled for May 26 in Los Angeles, California to wish him well in his new abode.

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Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas
and with presence in Washington, DC and Mexico City, was established to serve as the voice of reason influencing policy to improve U.S./Mexico relations. MATT’s mission is to encourage Mexicans and Americans to come together to bridge the gaps of understanding so that we may truly prosper together. MATT has been a vocal advocate for comprehensive immigration solutions, offering innovative public policy solutions, raising public awareness and visiting with policy-makers since 2006. MATT is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of business and thought leaders from the U.S. and Mexico. For more information about MATT.org, visit www.matt.org or call 210-270-0300.

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