Serving and sacrifice

Gabby and Martin Esquivel pose with their children, Javi, 10, Emma, 8, Leilani, 5, and Logan, 1, at their parish, St. Francis Xavier in Eastland. (NTC/Rodger Mallison)

In his encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas” (“Magnificent Humanity”), Pope Leo XIV writes that the quality of a civilization is measured by the care it offers. He describes care as “a fundamental dimension of our humanity, one that is learned and mastered through lived experience,” listing examples of “simple gestures rooted in family life” that “train us to recognize others as persons worthy of attention” (114).

Gabby and Martin Esquivel of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Eastland share an intimate knowledge of such care. The couple are parents of four children under the age of 10, with a fifth on the way. 

Through all their joys and challenges, the Esquivels place love, companionship, and sacrifice at the center of their home. 

HOW THEY MET: Although they met at a wedding in December 2006, they didn’t start dating until a year later when they reconnected through family ties. Nearly nine months into their relationship,

Martin was involved in a motorcycle accident on his way to work. 

“I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of a brachial plexus injury, but those are the nerves that control the arm and part of those nerves were torn off the spinal cord, so most of [my arm] is paralyzed,” Martin explained, gesturing toward his arm in a sling. 

After learning his injury would be permanent, he did not expect Gabby to remain by his side.“His accident really changed our relationship,” Gabby said. “He would ask me, ‘Why did you stay?’ But why wouldn’t I?” 

As he recovered and came to terms with his partial paralysis, Martin was touched by her loyalty, resolve, and care. 

“It showed her love,” he said.

MARRIED: Sept. 8, 2012, in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Breckenridge. 

RETURN TO ROOTS: Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, Martin recalled regularly attending Mass and receiving the sacraments as a child. But after graduating from Eastland High School and going to college, he strayed from the Church. 

Gabby likewise grew up a cradle Catholic in Breckenridge, about 25 miles from Eastland. As the two looked to their future, they returned to the faith. 

“We got married and then we started coming back,” Martin reflected. 

Gabby noted that both her faith and Martin’s received a boost after they met Father Vijaya Raju Mareedu, SAC. The couple credit their former pastor for drawing them further into an active life of service.

PAIN AND SERVICE: Over the years, advancements in medicine and physical therapy granted Martin some relief from the chronic pain he’s endured for nearly 18 years, but “the pain is always there,” he admitted.

Martin doesn’t let his condition stop him from serving God. He is often found at St. Francis, mowing the grass, cleaning the sanctuary, repairing pews, teaching catechesis and baptism classes, and coordinating lectors and liturgical ministers. 

The Deputy Grand Knight of the local Knights of Columbus council, Martin also helps organize the annual Passion Play, Guadalupan activities, and the vocation chalice program.

“Sometimes when I’m on my way home, I realize that I didn’t think about the pain. I remember it, but its presence isn’t as bothersome as it usually is,” he said.

Martin attributes God for “having the strength to do all this,” and he sees the fruit of that service reflected in the authentic faith he sees in his children.

“I feel like in just being part of the Church, He has united us, and He has kept us close to the Church.”

FAMILY TIME: Sundays after Mass are typically family time. 

“Mass is over by 12:45 p.m., one o’clock and right after, we go to Taco Bell,” Martin shared. 

The weekly tradition brings together the extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, Gabby said.

LEARN TO SERVE: The Esquivels’ eldest son, Javi, is an altar server, and their daughter, Emma, eagerly awaits her turn. Kids learn by example, Martin observed.

“If they see you go to church, they see you pray. All it takes is to just pray. Teach them to pray when you wake up in the morning, before going to bed, before every meal.”

KEEP BUSY: Gabby keeps things running at home and supports Martin as he juggles his two jobs, volunteering, and his soccer coach responsibilities. 

“If he’s not at church doing something, he’s at soccer practice with our kids,” she observed. 

Keeping busy is an intentional choice, Martin insisted.

“We want to keep our kids away from [technology] and, I figure, even though it’s a lot of work to have to take my kids to sports and all the other activities, it’s a lot better for them.”

While it may be hard at times, their efforts are fruitful and may be part of a larger design. 

“I think that’s what we were called to do, or at least I feel like it is,” Gabby said. “I was meant to be a mom.”

A GROWING CHURCH: Martin remarked that the Eastland church “is not big enough for all these people, all these kids growing.”

The parish is known for its many young families, and Martin hopes the youth will one day join him in serving the parish as leaders and volunteers.

 “Hopefully my son — eventually he’s able to help out as well,” Martin said, expressing his hope that Javi will serve God wherever life leads him.