Stella Maris Campaign

Response to the Call

Responding to the need for hope that we are seeing today, this growing ministry is building a multipurpose evangelization center and exhibit hall on the existing PCH property to provide opportunities for people to encounter Christ through multimedia, interactive, educational, personal experiences.

Throughout our lives, we often ask the question “why?” The answer is discovered in the Truth – in the person of Jesus Christ, our Savior. His Mother, Stella Maris, will guide us to him. – Mary Jane Fox

PHASE I – Acquire 6.8 Acre PropertyCompleted

Founded in 1993, Pilgrim Center of Hope purchased the property in 2013.

PHASE II – Property ImprovementsCompleted

  • Maintenance projects such as new signage, pest control, and facility updates
  • Prayerful ambience improvements include outdoor Stations of the Cross, statuary, aesthetic landscaping and planting of trees related to the Holy Land, and a custom-built, wooden ‘Galilee boat’ for private/group meditation that features an 8-foot crucifix
  • Sidewalk connecting Gethsemane Chapel to the Prayer Garden
  • Security & safety improvements include a 1,200-foot cedar fence (eight feet high) and trimming dozens of trees & moss removal

PHASE IIIBuild Evangelization CenterIn Progress

Stella Maris Center

Preliminary architectural rendering

  • Conference Seating

    210 persons at round tables (approximately double capacity with theater style seating)

  • Modern Facilities

    State-of-the-art stage and multimedia capabilities will provide opportunities for presentations, days of spiritual renewal, and interactive pilgrimages for those who cannot travel abroad

  • Exhibition

    Internationally-renowned “Who Is the Man of the Shroud?” exhibition (in Rome, Jerusalem, and 7 other cities) will be a permanent installation & educational experience

  • Resource Room

    Offering prayer and evangelization resources to visitors, so they can daily live what they learn & experience here

  • Prayer Garden

    Adding to Pilgrim Center of Hope’s existing Outdoor Stations of the Cross, this Prayer Garden features an eight-foot tall crucifix and a seating for private or group meditation within a ‘Sea of Galilee boat’

  • Parking

    Accommodating individual vehicles, including buses

  • Restroom Facilities

    Indoor restrooms to accommodate exhibition visitors & event participants

On the occasion of Pilgrim Center of Hope’s 25th anniversary, Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S., blessed the future construction site of Stella Maris Center, after celebrating Mass in the PCH Chapel (Gethsemane). With this blessing and encouragement, we have begun seeking funds for the construction of the center.

The people who have experienced your ministry connect with the Lord and the Church in new ways, and that is invaluable. May the Lord continue to bless the work and ministry of Pilgrim Center of Hope and thank you for your faithful service to the Church and the people of God.
– Most Rev. Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, Archbishop of San Antonio

Set Sail with Us!

How YOU Can Respond to the Call

  • Host A Gathering

    By hosting a small ‘Come and See!” gathering in your home – or partnering with your pastor to host a gathering at your parish, you can bring together people who have the interest, resources, and connections to bring the Stella Maris Center to life! Pilgrim Center of Hope will provide the presenters; contact us if you’re willing to host.

  • Share the News

    The more people know, the sooner we can meet the need! Please share this news, and bring family & friends for a visit to Pilgrim Center of Hope.

  • Put Your Thinking Cap On

    If you know of anyone that might be able to help us make the Stella Maris Center happen, we invite you to share their names with us.

  • Pray

    This initiative is under the patronage of Our Lady, Star of the Sea (Stella Maris), and Pope Sts. John Paul II & Paul VI, St. Thérèse of Lisieux & St. Teresa of Calcutta—all of whom are important to the life of this ministry. Ask these saints to pray with you!

  • Donate Toward this Urgent Need

    See below for details.

Pledge A Gift

Make a pledge of monthly, quarterly, annual, or one-time gift support

Donate Online

Pilgrim Center of Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and gifts are tax-deductible. While this ministry has the blessing of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Pilgrim Center of Hope is independently sustained by donations from individuals, groups & businesses. Every gift to this vital mission helps!

Express Your Interest In Helping

For more information, contact

Pilgrim Center of Hope
Mary Jane Fox
Co-Founder, Co-Director
210-521-3377
For secure email, use the contact form on this page.