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Father Xavier Ochoa

1996 Jack Green Civil Liberties Award Honoree

Thanks to a free act of love) my parents José and Ana Maria gave me life to journey in this beautiful and wonderful world. My eyes saw the light of this world on July 24 of 1938 in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico. I am the second son of a family of six: Three men and three women.

When we were small children, our parents were concerned about giving us the best possible education and, although it was a hardship for my parents, my brothers, my sisters and I studied in private schools. My primary, secondary, and preparatory studies were done with the Jesuit Fathers.

During these years, I learned little by little about the great gift that was given us upon coming into this world: FREEDOM. The freedom that circulates in the blood of our entire being. With no importance to the color of our skin, the language we speak, or our culture or tradition. Thanks to that freedom, we all enjoy the same rights.

In 1956, I entered the congregation of the Order of the Jesuits. For four years, I studied Spirituality, Classic Humanities, and Rhetoric. From 1960 to 1963, I studied Philosophy in Mexico City.

From 1964 to 1966) I taught and learned from the Tarahumara, the indigenous people in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico.

From 1967 to 1969, I studied Theology in the University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. On July 4, 1969, I was ordained priest in my hometown.

From 1970 to 1976, I was Pastor of the Sacred Heart Church in San Juanito, Chihuahua, Mexico. In 1977 to 1978, I collaborated with Youth Ministry in Sisoguichi, Chihuahua. From 1978 to 1987, I was Pastor of the Sacred Family Church in Carichi, Chihuahua.

During these years, I realized how the Tarahumara were exploited and treated as second-class objects by the rich and powerful from the Tarahumara Mission. It was there I began to fight for their freedom and human rights. We formed cooperatives and an agricultural labor union, etc. For this we paid a price: threats, affronts, and were spat in the face.

Around the end of 1987, I visited some relatives who live here in Sonoma County. I was invited to stay and to work with the Santa Rosa Diocese. I accepted. First, because I saw the great spiritual need of the Hispanics and secondly, because many were suffering from disdain and discrimination in different forms. I began to have contact with some organizations that protect liberty and human rights, such as the United Farm Worker's union and others. And since Proposition 187 passed, as well as other unconstitutional propositions, I decided to fight against them, but not alone. I have always been united with those who suffer and are distressed during these critical times we are now experiencing.

Through marches, protests, information, and education, I believe we have taken large steps toward the goal of achieving equality, respect and justice for all our brothers and sisters who in fact are citizens of this planet called Earth, This land, and all it contains, is for everyone, not only for a few. And all of us together should take care of it and protect it. I give thanks to God for the opportunity to know this great organization, the American Civil Liberties Union, and thank them for paying attention to this servant and granting me the 1996 Jack Green Award. I also would like to thank the members and directors of the ACLU for their support and I hope we will continue moving forward working together for an America reigned by freedom, justice, peace, and love.

Thank you.

Reverend XavierOchoa