
Father Jean-Marie Jaffrès OMI wrote in 1867: “Let me tell you of our Texas campaign equipment. Picture to yourself first of all a horse, and essential part and as we say modestly, the better half of the missionary. If you wish to keep in good humour, choose a good horse; it will cost you no more. Give him a strong harness. Then, with respect, I will place on the pommel of the saddle the bag with Holy Oils and all the necessaries for the administration of the sacraments. On the opposite side I will hang a gourd to hold my provision of water which I renew at every opportunity. A kind of knapsack containing the altar stone, the chalice, the altar-bread and wine, and whatever else is required for the celebration of the holy Sacrifice, with a few articles for the personal use of the missionary, is fastened to the rear. A tightly rolled blanket completes the equipment”.
Throughout the Cavalry of Christ epoch, the vast majority of the population was poor and Mexican-American.