SAN ANTONIO, Texas — For nearly a century, the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have served as a spiritual and educational anchor on San Antonio’s historic West Side. On Oct. 7, local civic leaders and regional construction partners gathered at the sisters' campus to celebrate the completion of critical roof repairs made possible through a collaborative community effort.
The restoration project addresses years of severe roof deterioration at the sisters’ convent and chapel at 2403 West Travis Street. Recent heavy storms had intensified the damage, creating urgent repair needs that far exceeded the religious order's modest financial resources.
The effort gained momentum when community leader Cecilia E. Herrera connected with Mario Lozoya, a community partner with Noble Texas Builders, to highlight the sisters' situation. Lozoya immediately reached out to Noble President and Chief Executive Officer René Capistran, who mobilized a regional network of supporters, including TADCO Roofing and Waterproofing.
Here is an interview with former Housing & Urban Development Secretary and former San Antonio mayor, Henry G. Cisneros:
Under the public-private partnership:
"We have a moral responsibility to do the right thing, and that's what is happening today," said René Capistran, President and CEO of Noble Texas Builders, a La Feria-headquartered commercial construction firm with regional offices in San Antonio and Houston.
Capistran noted that the partnership reflects the employee-owned firm's overarching mission to strengthen communities across South and Central Texas beyond standard commercial development.
Here is an interview with René Capistran, president and CEO of Noble Texas Builders:
The Sisters of Perpetual Adoration established their San Antonio presence in April 1927. Over the past 97 years, the congregation’s educational ministries—including the Immaculate Conception Kindergarten and Nursery—have provided early childhood education, care, and spiritual guidance to more than 5,000 children across generations of Westside families.
Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and former San Antonio Mayor Henry G. Cisneros, who grew up in the surrounding neighborhood, highlighted the deep personal and historic significance of preserving the campus.
Cisneros noted that both his wife, former San Antonio City Councilwoman Mary Alice Cisneros, and community leader Cecilia Herrera attended the sisters' early childhood programs as young children.
"Yes, it's about fixing a roof, but it's about fixing a roof so people can have a home for the most blessed things in their lives and a place where children can grow up with those values," Cisneros said during the ceremony. "It's a tiny place in the universe, but big things come from here."
During the restoration effort, additional storm activity caused secondary damage to auxiliary structures on the property, including the childcare facilities, further underlining the urgency of safeguarding the campus infrastructure.
Superior Maria Avelina Mendiola delivered the invocation during the celebration, expressing gratitude to the donors and trade contractors whose contribution ensures the sisters can continue their daily mission of prayer and early childhood service.
Here is an interview with retired diplomat Celina Herrera:
As the congregation approaches its 100th anniversary in April 2027, community leaders are coordinating additional fundraising initiatives. Organizers announced plans for an upcoming benefit dinner supported by renowned San Antonio chef Johnny Hernandez to raise ongoing maintenance funds for the campus.
Editor’s Note: The above news story is the second in a two-part series. Click here to read and watch Part One.
