Episode 12: The Mercy of the Mesa: Francita Alavez, The Angel of Goliad
Welcome back to the El Mesteño podcast! Host David Flores and editor/publisher Homero Vera dig deep into a true South Texas story of courage and compassion during the heat of the Texas Revolution.
This week, we uncover the incredible life of Francita Alavez, known to history as "The Angel of Goliad," an unsung heroine who showed humanity when the world was at war.
In 1836, Francita arrived in Texas, accompanying Captain Telésforo Alavez. Her first recorded act of mercy occurred at Copano Bay when she convinced Mexican soldiers to loosen the cords binding captured Texian volunteers.
The real test came at Presidio La Bahía. While the tragedy of the Goliad Massacre unfolded, Francisca was a light in the darkness, providing prisoners with food and water. She is credited with saving over 20 men and boys from execution by hiding them or helping them escape the firing squads.
The mystery of her identity—from Francita Alavez to Francisca Alvarez—is solved years later on the King Ranch. Homero Vera shares the story of how Doña Panchita's secret life was uncovered in 1936 through the memoirs of Elena Zamora O’Shea, revealing a heroine who is now said to be buried in an unmarked grave on the ranch.
Tune in for this powerful reminder that our heritage is built on compasión, not just generals.