EL CENTRO — Deacon Sergio Hernandez has been serving not only the faithful of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, but also the incarcerated at Calipatria State Prison, where he serves as chaplain at one of the two state penitentiaries in Imperial County.
Born in Santa Ana, California, the deacon has been a resident of the Imperial Valley since age 2, after his family business moved to the Calexico-Mexicali area. He spent his youth in Calexico, married and moved to El Centro in 1991.
He was ordained as a permanent deacon in June of 2016, and began in June 2021 his service as chaplain, working at the prison eight hours a day, five days a week.
The Southern Cross interviewed him recently before his 40-minute work commute. Excerpts of his comments follow.
Question: What was your early family life like?
Answer: My dad had an egg delivery route from Santa Ana to Calexico … As the business grew, they offered him to open up a warehouse in Calexico, and that is what brought us to the Valley.
My mom helped my dad in the business and raised us at home. I am the oldest of three. My wife, Patricia, and I have three
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