Ambassadors

Co-Founder and Co-Director of Pilgrim Center of Hope with her husband Deacon Tom Fox, Mary Jane left her career in corporate travel in the 1980s to live as a Catholic evangelist & missionary. She has led pilgrims to see the Shroud in Turin, and holds a Post-Graduate Certificate In Shroud Studies from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum. She and her husband have earned international recognition and awards for leading authentic pilgrimages, especially to the Holy Land. Mary Jane is a Dame Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and has presented on the Shroud to thousands of Knights and Ladies at the Order's Southwest Regional Convention. She and Deacon Tom are parishioners of St. Matthew in San Antonio.

Nan Balfour began her journey with the Shroud of Turin with docent training given by "Who is the Man of the Shroud?" exhibition founder, Fr. Hector Guerra. She earned her certificate of attendance as an audit student of the Post-Graduate Certificate in Shroud Studies through the Institute of Science and Faith of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, in collaboration with Othonia and the Giulio Ricci Diocesan Center for Sindonology in Rome. Nan continues as an exhibit guide and Journey with the Shroud presenter; having spoken at the National Eucharistic Congress in 2024, the international SEEC Shroud Symposium in 2025, and at colleges & universities, parishes, and regularly to the women inmates at the Bexar County Jail.

"I serve as a Shroud Ambassador because I have personally experienced the spiritual healing that comes with meditating on the Passion of our Lord so graphically imaged on the Man of the Shroud, and desire the same for others."

After exploring a potential call to the priesthood, James joined the Peace Corps in Honduras following his graduation from Jesuit Creighton University. In Honduras, he met a fellow volunteer, his now-wife, Betty. Returning to San Antonio, they responded to their pastor's invitation at St. Luke Parish to serve as missionaries. They were sent to Mexico. James and Betty, along with their five-year-old daughter, were accepted as Maryknoll Lay Missioners in 1989. Their two sons were born during that time in Mexico. James's mission work included small community prayer and action groups, and construction with rural organizations. Since returning home, they continue as St. Luke parishioners, now as grandparents.

"Since first learning about the Shroud long ago, I've closely followed the unfolding scientific studies and controversy surrounding it, and for years I thought of it as a relic or holy artifact somehow miraculously given to us by God. More recently, as a Shroud Ambassador, I am blessed to more spiritually appreciate the Shroud, especially its striking revelation of the full power of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ."

Lea's impressive professional career in communications and development included the U.S. Olympic Festival, S.A. Express-News, and the San Antonio Area Foundation, before she gained the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Oblate School of Theology. In retirement, she continues building up the community as a member of SA 100 and on Pilgrim Center of Hope's Advisory Council. Lea's involvement in her parish, Church of the Good Shepherd in Schertz, includes Catholic Daughters of the Americas and Fellowship of Catholic Christian Women.

"With every introduction to the exhibition that I present to a visitor, I am aware that I am preparing that person for a unique experience, one that will change him/her perhaps even in a profound way."

A wife and mother originally from San Antonio's west side, Carol offers keen communications skills as a retired real estate and banking attorney. She is active in Holy Trinity Church's Bible study, as well as the parish's Catholic Daughters of America, Meals on Wheels, and Christmas Under the Bridge ministries. In addition to being a Shroud Ambassador, Carol is an Ambassador for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.

"I volunteer as an Ambassador because the Shroud of Turin has fascinated me since high school. I wanted to learn more about this artifact and share the knowledge that PCH has assembled in its exhibit."

A convert to the Catholic faith at the age of 23, Dave is a husband, father, grandfather, and retired U.S. Army Colonel. After his military career, he worked as a teacher for James Madison High School in San Antonio before entering into full retirement. Having completed Archdiocesan Parish Ministry Formation, Dave is experienced in youth ministry & adult faith formation as well as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He holds a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's in business administration.

After an extensive career in health administration spanning Texas and all the way to Ireland, Mary Jo Quinn continues her dedication to service in retirement as a Missionary of Hope for Pilgrim Center of Hope. She applies her experience including as a lay missionary in Africa with the Presentation Sisters and as a board member and volunteer for various organizations in the areas of literacy, personal development, and the Catholic faith. Mary Jo is an active parishioner at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, where she assists in faith formation for special needs children.

A retired professional chef, Blake found a way to serve God through his passion about the Shroud with Pilgrim Center of Hope. As a new Catholic, his zeal has led him to speak and present about the Man of the Shroud including for OCIA catechumens of his parish, St. Anthony Mary Claret. His journey has also led him to the privilege of participating in Mass at the Turin Cathedral where the Shroud is kept.

"Being a Shroud Ambassador allows me to be a fisher of men."

Monica left her native Corpus Christi, Texas, to join the Marine Corps. During training, she met her husband, a New Yorker who has proudly turned into a Texan. They and their children assist in the religious education program for St. Anthony de Padua parish. Monica's wide-ranging professional experience spans from air traffic controller to financial counselor to funeral director; all informing her service as a Shroud Ambassador.

"My faith is very important to me, deepened by the stories my grandparents told me of fleeing to Texas during the Cristero War, so the small thing I can do to honor them is be a part of this ministry."