Testimonios: Documenting the Lives and Faith of Latino Immigrants

Maria Teresa Aguayo and her husband Norberto Aguayo, talk about their immigration to Indiana from Mexico. They discuss their activities through the Hispanic ministries of St. Patrick Catholic Church. They discuss the difficulties of their transition into life in the United States. The Aguayos also discuss their involvement in the pro-life movement.

Vicente Aguilera tells about his immigration from Mexico to Indiana, his experiences as a migrant worker in Whiteland, and his different jobs and struggles in Indianapolis. He talks about his marriage, the births of his daughters, the death of his wife, and his second marriage. He discusses a prolonged sickness that he suffered, and his healing. He talks about his conversion to evangelical Christianity, his role as a pastor, and his association with the international organization Pentecostal Church of God.

Javier Amezcua talks about his immigration to the United States from Mexico, his move to Indianapolis, Indiana, and his first jobs there. He tells the history of his restaurant. Amezcua talks about the Catholic church, his participation in the festivities of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the lack of Spanish masses. He also discusses his role in Alianza Mexicana (Mexican Alliance).

Ricardo Imán tells about his education and life as a member of the order of Hermanos De La Salle (De La Salle Christian Brothers) in Mexico. He discusses his move to Indiana and his role in Hispanic Catholic ministries. Imán discusses his perceptions of the Latino communities and of the Catholic church.

Eva Morales tells about her life in Mexico, her marriage, her move to the United States, and her life in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she finally settled. She discusses her involvement in Mexican-American civic associations, the Hispanic Center, Fiesta Indianapolis, and the Catholic church. Morales discusses the beginnings and growth of the Hispanic ministries at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and the roles of both herself and her husband in the church. She also discusses her experiences with learning English.

Consuelo Espinoza Quiroz discusses her early life and education. She talks about her family as a child and as an adult. She discusses migration from Texas to Indiana and what a transition it was. She discusses her involvement in the Catholic church, the Spanish services, and the importance of her faith. Quiroz talks about jobs that she's held and opening her own beauty salon. She also tells about her experiences with racism.

Luis Sanchez tells about his studies and professional life in Colombia, his move to the United States, and his jobs in Indianapolis, Indiana. He discusses his involvement in St. Patrick Catholic Church, explains the evolution of his faith, and offers his perceptions of the Catholic church and the Latino communities in Indianapolis.

Maria Tapia discusses immigrating to East Chicago, Indiana from Mexico at the age of thirteen for her stepfather's employment. She discusses her early life, education, different occupations, and her drive to better herself and give back to the community. She discusses her involvement in founding various Hispanic organizations in Indiana including Fiesta Indianapolis, Indiana Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Education Center, a Spanish speaking radio program, and newsletter. Tapia discusses the history of Latino communities in Indiana and the hardships many Latino immigrants face all over the United states. She also discusses the importance of her Catholic faith.

Angela Valdez and her husband, Gerardo Valdez, tell about their life histories and the evolution of their Catholic faith. They discuss their life in Mexico, their move to Los Angeles, and finally to Indianapolis, Indiana. The Valdezes discuss their involvement in St. Patrick Catholic Church, particularly in a charismatic prayer group. They address several details of their faith and discusses changes within the Catholic church.

Francis Vasquez discusses immigration to the United States and Latino communities in central Indiana. He also talks about his faith.

Soledad Woodburn discusses immigration and Latino communities. He also discusses his faith.