The grand opening of the Mother Teresa Center, a new Catholic Charities building to expand services to the northwest side at 5315 Summit Parkway in San Antonio, was held November 8.
The Catholic Charities’ Mother Teresa Center is a 40,560-square-foot building serving as a beacon of hope and compassion dedicated to supporting our neighbors in need. The center will offer wrap-around services for refugees including a food pantry, clothes closet, a youth mentoring program, workforce development, ESL education, case management, and legal assistance to promote self-sufficiency.
Since 1980, in collaboration with the U.S. government, Catholic Charities has successfully resettled more than 30,000 refugees in the community.
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, prayed and blessed the building, with guests in attendance including Kerry Robinson, president/CEO of Catholic Charities USA; and San Antonio City Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia.
Also providing remarks at the ceremony were Lizzy Perales, vice president of Programs at Catholic Charities, and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette.
Catholic Charities President/CEO J. Antonio Fernández said, “We are excited to open the Mother Teresa Center as part of our commitment to welcoming and supporting those in search of a new beginning in our city. We also will provide case management, a food pantry, a baby boutique, and other key services on the Northwest side of San Antonio.”
Archbishop Gustavo told attendees that we are reminded that while challenges arise, they also bring opportunities to be instruments of the Holy Spirit, transforming obstacles into acts of love and service.
The Mother Teresa Center is more than a building; it is a symbol of hope and compassion for both newcomers and the San Antonio community. This center stands as a beacon of support, offering a wide range of services that empower individuals towards self-sufficiency, from a food pantry and baby boutique to youth mentoring, workforce development, ESL classes, case management, and Caritas legal assistance,” he explained. “Guided by the Church’s call to uphold the dignity of each person, we are here to support those in need, grounded in the belief that all deserve compassion and respect. In each service provided here, may Christ’s heart shine, glorifying God through every life touched.”
The archbishop also quoted Pope Francis, who said that Christ’s love is reflected in event the smallest works of mercy.
“As we bless this space, may it be a place where people encounter not only essential resources but also the love of Christ,” prayed the San Antonio shepherd. “Let this center be a true expression of our commitment to empower and uplift, with Our Lady of Guadalupe watching over this mission, guiding us to be a light for those who seek hope and support.”
