Still Native ~ Still at Mission Espada

The first mission established within the boundaries of Spanish Texas was San Francisco de la Espada. The Lipan Apache were at Mission Espada from the very beginning. The mission that would later become Mission Espada was originally established on May 24, 1690 as Mission San Francisco de los Tejas near what is today Nacogdoches in east Texas.

The Indigenous residents of the mission compound served as the primary labor source for construction of the Mission Espada Aqueduct and Acequia, a stone granary and sections of the church building, as well as the buildings at the mission itself.

Cecilia has been an indispensable volunteer at Saint Frances Cabrini Church, Mission Espada, and within her community for many years. She has poured her heart, soul, labor, time, prayers, and tears into helping her people. On February 2, 2016 Cecilia recieved the Lumen Gentium Award for 2016, which is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated, by their life and generous service, to be worthy of recognition. The Archdiocest of San Antonio presented her with the award for her service to the community, church, and missions. She is quoted as saying, "This is for my people."

Cecilia Soto Perez is the daughter of Cirilio Banda Perez and Candelaria Soto Perez, and the great great granddaughter of Pantaleon.