We invite you to join us in celebrating the 50th Jubilee of the Seraphic Sisters in Texas.
Who the Seraphic Sisters Are
The Seraphic Sisters, formally known as the Daughters of Our Lady of Sorrows, were founded in 1881 in Poland. Their origin is connected with the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi and a mission of serving the poor and evangelizing in difficult circumstances. Their name—Seraphic—refers to the intense love and humility associated with St. Francis (often called the Seraphic Saint).
Presence in Texas
The Seraphic Sisters have been active in Texas since 1970. Their work here includes caring for the elderly and spiritual ministry and retreats.
They run nursing homes, including St. Francis Nursing Home in San Antonio and the John Paul II Nursing Home in Kenedy, TX, where they provide compassionate, family-like care.
In San Antonio, they oversee the Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine & Retreat Center, a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Retreats and prayer services are held there, and it’s a place where individuals and groups can deepen their faith.
On September 13, 1976 Seraphic Sisters became owners of two nursing homes and renamed them as John Paul II and Saint Francis.
1. Recognizing a Half-Century of Service
Celebrating 50 years of service is a significant milestone in Catholic and religious life — it reflects long-term commitment, resilience, and fidelity to their vocation and mission. In many religious communities, jubilees are celebrated as a way of honoring sustained dedication over many decades.
2. Honoring Their Impact on Individuals and Communities
Over those decades, the Sisters have:
- Run nursing homes where elderly people receive compassionate, holistic care in a family-like environment.
- Maintained the Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine & Retreat Center in San Antonio as a place of spiritual renewal, pilgrimage, and prayer that has blessed countless retreatants.
Marking 50 years lets people they’ve served — residents, families, retreat-goers, volunteers, and parish partners — express gratitude for years of spiritual and practical help.
3. Giving Thanks to God
A Jubilee isn’t only a social celebration — in the Catholic tradition it’s a sacred time of thanksgiving to God for grace received, blessings poured out, and lives touched through their ministry. It’s an opportunity for the Sisters, their friends, donors, and the wider Church community to pray together, give thanks, and seek continued blessings for the future.
4. Witnessing to Faithfulness and Hope
Fifty years of continuous presence in one place — through cultural changes, challenges, and evolving needs — is a powerful witness of steadfast faith. It shows how their Franciscan spirit of humility, simplicity, and care has endured. Celebrating this milestone can encourage others — especially young people and potential vocations — to consider lives of service and prayer.
5. Strengthening Community and Support
A Jubilee celebration brings people together — parishioners, collaborators, volunteers, board members, benefactors, and family members — in a shared moment of joy and recognition. It can:
- Renew old relationships
- Inspire new partnerships
- Highlight volunteer and donor contributions
- Invite renewed engagement with their ministries
6. Celebrating Fruits of Their Mission
Over time, the Sisters’ ministries have nurtured faith, comforted the sick and elderly, and provided retreat spaces for spiritual growth. A Jubilee gives tangible expression to how these works have borne fruit in the lives of many individuals and families — a reason worth celebrating.
In short: a 50th Jubilee isn’t just a party — it’s a rite of gratitude, remembrance, and hope, honoring decades of faithful living, sacred service, and community transformation in Texas. It celebrates what they’ve been and welcomes what they continue to be in service to God and others.
Jubilee Mass will be in St. Ann’s Church in Kosciusko Texas presided by Most Reverend Archbishop Gustavo Garcia Siller at 3 PM on Sep 13, 2026
Followed by Gala in the Parish Hall with the presentation of documentary about the Seraphic Sisters in Texas, there will be silent and live auction.
Table Sponsorship:
Golden Table : $10,000 (8-10 persons)
Silver – $5,000 (8-10 persons)
Bronze $2000 (8-10 persons)
Single Tickets: $100