About CSC

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.

We need assistance with the next conference!
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Please email us with your interest:
Ann Gonsalves, Development Coordinator
ann@pilgrimcenterofhope.org

History & Mission

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, inspired by the courageous and dignified retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, called on Pilgrim Center of Hope in 2013 to organize a Catholic Seniors’ Conference for the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

On April 5, 2014, over 320 men and women staff and attendees helped make the first annual Catholic Seniors’ Conference a wonderful start!

This conference continues to shed light on the Church’s high regard for seniors, educating them about their unique dignity as sons and daughters of God, encouraging them to know and love God, and inspiring them to use their gifts for the transformation of family and society.

Attendee Testimonies

Question: “Did you discover something you weren’t aware of, about how the Catholic Church views the elderly, senior citizens?”

We are still important and have work to do.

Definitely I had come to the conclusion that the Catholic Church didn’t care for the elderly who were once young & very active in our Church, but I realized through this conference we are the building blocks of our church.

(I discovered) that we are needed to carry on the Church to the next generation.

The Church is emphasizing more the dignity and value of the elderly and their responsibility to contribute to the work of evangelization.

From Previous Conferences

Spiritual Tools & Resources