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Philanthropy SA Episode 33 - Paul Garro with the Little Flower Basilica

·31 min·3 clips

St. Teresa taught that even the smallest flower, like a bluebonnet, is noticed by God through acts of love.

Host Dan Redman interviews Paul Garro, the Director of Development for San Antonio's Little Flower Basilica. This episode explores the basilica's unique status, its community role, and a major restoration campaign. Garro explains that a minor basilica acts as an "embassy" for the Vatican, with only about 100 existing in the United States. The basilica is named for St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known as "The Little Flower," who advocated finding spirituality in nature and performing small acts of love. The Discalced Carmelite Religious Order, which runs the basilica, emphasizes the importance of silence and spiritual respite. A $40 million capital campaign aims to address deferred maintenance, including repairing leaks in the iconic gold domes visible from I-10. The campaign also seeks to restore interior artwork, mosaics, marble work, and ornate ironwork from the 1920s. The basilica serves as an active parish for about 3,000 people and is a national shrine that attracts pilgrims. Programming extends beyond worship, with events like a performance of Bach's Easter Oratorio by the SA Philharmonic scheduled for April 11th. The basilica's master plan aligns with the city's "SA Tomorrow" long-range planning for the near west side. A vision for a "Rose District" includes a potential welcome center, community gardens along Alazán Creek, and family-strengthening programs. The initial funding for the basilica's 1931 construction came from small, grassroots donations collected worldwide through a magazine. Garro invites potential partners to connect via littleflowerbasilica.org to support the restoration and broader community vision. The tone is conversational, educational, and inspirational, focusing on cultural heritage and community revitalization. Listeners interested in Catholic history, architecture, art, or local San Antonio community development would enjoy this episode. Those seeking fast-paced news or unrelated philanthropic topics might find it too niche.

As heard by us

A calm look at a basilica where faith, art, and community impact meet.

Dan Redman and Paul Garrow treat the Little Flower Basilica in San Antonio as both a place of worship and a place to look closely. Garrow's remarks about the stained glass, the stories of St. Teresa of Avila and St.

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Why you'd press play

You want a grounded tour of a San Antonio basilica, with faith, art, and community purpose.

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