Sister Mary Elva Reyes was born in Jalisco, Mexico on February 17, 1947. She is a member of the Pax Christi Institute since its founding in July of 1969. In May 1975 she received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from San Houston State University and a Diploma in Italian Language and Culture from Academia Italiana Di Lingua "Dante Aligheri.," in Urbania, Italy. She received a master of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas in 1978. She has been a member of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work for the past 25 years. In 1979 she co-authored Texas House Bill 1492. The intent of this Bill was to obtain enforceable rights children who are wards of the state.
In Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas, together with another member of the Pax Christi Institute, she authored, developed and implemented an Assessment and Placement Program for Cuban Refugees.
She also received a Master Degree in Theological Studies from Oblate Shcool of Theology in 1981. While in Mexico she was the Director of "Caritas Diocesana" from 1983 to 1985. Upon returning to the United States she became an adjunct professor at Incarnate Word University in San Antonio, Texas. She tought Theology and Liturgy courses for several years.
