06/25/2026
Beyond grateful for this wonderful blessing to celebrate Bishop Tamayo’s 50 years of priesthood. 🙏🏼⛪️
Community Celebrates Bishop James
A. Tamayo’s 50 Years of Priesthood
By Jose G. Landa
Community leaders, families, clergy, and faithful parishioners celebrated a remarkable milestone as the Most Rev. Bishop James A. Tamayo marked the 50th Anniversary of his Priesthood Ordination.
The special celebration honored five decades of devoted ministry, spiritual leadership, and service to the Catholic faithful throughout South Texas and beyond. Representing the City of Eagle Pass, Councilwoman Jessica Rey Ramon participated in the event, joining family members, friends, religious leaders, and community residents in recognizing Bishop Tamayo’s extraordinary contributions to the Church and the communities he has faithfully served.
Mayor Aaron Valdez offered congratulations on behalf of the City of Eagle Pass and its residents.
“For five decades, Bishop Tamayo has touched countless lives through his guidance, compassion, and commitment to faith,” said Mayor Valdez. “His legacy of service continues to inspire generations throughout our region. Congratulations to Bishop Tamayo on this extraordinary achievement, and thank you for your lifelong dedication to serving others.”
Born in Brownsville, Texas, Bishop James A. Tamayo has dedicated his life to serving the Catholic Church and the people of South Texas. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 14, 1976, for the Diocese of Brownsville. Throughout his ministry, he served in various pastoral and leadership roles before being appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Laredo by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
During his tenure as Bishop of Laredo, which spanned more than two decades, Bishop Tamayo became known for his commitment to evangelization, education, social justice, and outreach to families and communities along the Texas-Mexico border.
His leadership helped strengthen parishes, expand ministries, and address the spiritual and social needs of a rapidly growing region.
In 2023, after more than 22 years as Bishop of Laredo, Pope Francis accepted Bishop Tamayo’s retirement upon reaching the customary retirement age.
Although retired from active diocesan leadership, Bishop Tamayo continues to be widely respected and admired for his humility, faith, and dedication to serving others.
For many residents of Eagle Pass and Maverick County, Bishop Tamayo’s influence extends beyond church walls. His ministry has touched countless families through confirmations, ordinations, pastoral visits, and community events that have strengthened the bond between faith and service.
The celebration served not only as a recognition of a personal milestone but also as a tribute to a lifetime devoted to God, the Church, and the people of South Texas.
As family, friends, clergy, and community members gathered to honor his golden jubilee, many reflected on the profound impact Bishop Tamayo has made over the past fifty years.
His legacy of faith, compassion, and leadership continues to inspire future generations and remains a shining example of service to others throughout the border region.
