2023 Catholic Seniors’ Conference Summary

Filling the school cafeteria of St. Luke Catholic Church, 129 men and women participated in Pilgrim Center of Hope’s Catholic Seniors’ Conference which was held on Friday, June 23, 2023. This was the first annual, in-person conference since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This half-day conference encompassed Holy Mass celebrated by San Antonio Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette, who challenged participants to leave a legacy of faith for the next generation; to record their story, the story of how they fell in love with Jesus, why they follow him, and how they grow deeper in their faith.

Many seniors were inspired to take up his challenge, such as one woman who noted her major takeaway as, “Seniors still have something to contribute.”

After enjoying Bill Miller breakfast tacos and classic jazz standards performed by T.J. Dolotina, the morning began with two main speakers. Former judge and current practicing attorney, Victor Negron, presented an inspiring testimony to the benefits of the devotional practice of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and shared the Eucharistic Miracle story of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A large percentage of evaluation forms submitted after the conference included a resolution to attend Adoration more often.

Pastor of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, Fr. Gregory Ross of the Discalced Carmelite Friars, wove together wisdom from the saints about the spiritual journey and maintaining a life of prayer.  Reflecting on what she learned from him, Teresa wrote, “To not be afraid & always hope. To strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ by committing to a regular time for pray[er], scriptural reading, reciting the rosary, & learning from the saints, especially St. Teresa of Avila. I loved the prayer card he [gave] us, as a reminder of this.”

The morning ended with a special praying of the Rosary, for healing.

Presentations can be viewed on the event website.

Plans are underway for the 2024 Catholic Seniors’ Conference in San Antonio.