Texas Monthly’s Power List Names ‘Patron Saint Of The Border’ No. 1

Its editor-in-chief says he wanted to talk about power in different ways. Sister Norma Pimentel takes in refugees and migrants and “provides food, clothing, shelter” for them.

By Laura RiceDecember 4, 2018 12:28 pm, ,

The December issue of Texas Monthly has a black-and-white photo of a nun on the cover – she’s smiling and looking slightly upwards. Written above her head and across her body are three words in bright orange, bold font: “The Power Issue.” The magazine has dedicated cover stories to the most powerful people in Texas six times in its history, and this time, it’s Sister Norma Pimentel whom the magazine dubbed the “Patron Saint of the Border.”

Texas Monthly Editor-in-Chief Rich Oppel says he and his team wanted to try something new for this power issue.

“We wanted to talk about a group of people who lead, who have power in different kinds of ways,” Oppel says. “[Pimentel] basically takes in refugees, migrants, from Mexico … she provides food, clothing, shelter, a place to shower, a sense to gather with your family.” 

What you’ll hear in this segment:

– Why Oppel says it was important to put Pimentel on the cover

– How the magazine decided on the 31 people on this year’s power list, including Beyoncé, Simone Biles and Beto O’Rourke

– Why others like S. Lee Merritt, Beth Moore and Hector de Leon are also on the list, and why they matter

Written by Alvaro Céspedes.