CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – New Braunfels

03/22/2026

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating women saints like Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne. Born in France in 1769, she endured the upheaval of the French Revolution and years of uncertainty before finally answering her call to missionary life. In 1818, she journeyed to the United States, establishing schools and the first convents of the Sacred Heart west of the Mississippi, and serving communities in Missouri and Louisiana. Later, she ministered among the Potawatomi people in Kansas, where her deep prayer life earned her the name “Woman Who Prays Always.” Canonized in 1988, she is remembered as a patron of perseverance and a model of missionary courage and dedication.

03/16/2026

This month, we're celebrating how the physicians we work with are putting our values into action. Nominated for displaying the CHRISTUS value of excellence, we're honoring Dr. Tony Basel!

Dr. Basel has been the driving force behind advancing our ICU toward the Center of Excellence designation. His enthusiasm has brought renewed energy to the team, creating a strong sense of unity and shared purpose. Through his leadership and commitment, he has inspired everyone to move in the same direction, working together toward higher performance and exceptional patient care.

Thank you, Dr. Basel, for setting a powerful example of excellence and for using your knowledge and compassion to elevate patient care every day.

03/15/2026

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating women saints like Saint Bernadette of Lourdes. Born into poverty in France, Bernadette was just 14 when she experienced a series of visions in the rocky Massabielle Grotto. There, the Virgin Mary appeared to her, revealing herself as the Immaculate Conception and asking that a chapel be built on the site. Despite skepticism and intense public scrutiny, she remained humble and steadfast, faithfully sharing the message entrusted to her. Later entering religious life, she embraced suffering with grace and lived quietly in prayer. Canonized in 1933, her witness transformed Lourdes into one of the world’s most recognized pilgrimage sites, a place of healing and hope for millions. Her life reminds us that faith, humility and courage can change the world.

03/12/2026

03/10/2026

This month, we're celebrating how the physicians we work with are putting our values into action. Nominated for displaying the CHRISTUS value of compassion, we're honoring Dr. Brannon Hyde!

Dr. Hyde is known for the exceptional compassion and knowledge he brings to every patient he serves. Patients consistently share how much they appreciate him and his staff, noting that their experience at CHRISTUS is positive from the very first clinic visit, through hospital stays, and all the way to post‑operative care. His dedication, skill, and genuine concern for patient well‑being set a high standard of excellence.

Thank you, Dr. Hyde, for the kindness, patience, and humanity you bring to every encounter.

03/08/2026

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating women saints like Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Known as the “Little Flower,” St. Thérèse revealed that holiness can be found in the smallest acts of love. Born in France in 1873, she followed the footsteps of her three sisters and entered the Carmelite convent at just 15 and lived a hidden yet profoundly impactful life. Through her spiritual memoir, Story of a Soul, she shared her “Little Way” philosophy: a path of childlike trust in God and love expressed through simple daily faithfulness. Though she died at 24, her legacy continues to inspire millions to seek God in ordinary moments. Canonized in 1925 and later named a Doctor of the Church, she remains a beloved patron of missionaries, priests, florists, and all who seek God in ordinary life.

03/05/2026

This month, we're celebrating how the physicians we work with are putting our values into action. Nominated for displaying the CHRISTUS value of compassion, we're honoring Dr. Daniel De Los Santos! When a patient arrived in the ER experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, he was overwhelmed with fear. Dr. De Los Santos immediately recognized his distress and sat beside him, calmly explaining what was happening and reassuring him throughout the emergency. His gentle, compassionate presence helped bring comfort during a frightening moment. The patient later shared how deeply moved he was by the care he received, expressing sincere gratitude for the kindness and reassurance provided by Dr. De Los Santos.

Thank you, Dr. De Los Santos, for your tireless dedication and the exceptional standard you set for compassionate, expert care.

02/28/2026

In honor of Black History Month, we are celebrating our black saints and holy figures like Venerable Augustus Tolton. Born into slavery in 1854, Tolton escaped with his family to freedom and was raised in the Catholic faith despite immense hardship. Though rejected by every U.S. seminary because of racism, he persevered and was ordained in Rome, becoming the first known Black Catholic priest in the United States. He returned home to minister with humility, joy and compassion, drawing people of all backgrounds together through his witness. His life reflects extraordinary faith, resilience and a commitment to the healing mission of Christ.

02/24/2026

Heart disease recovery doesn’t end when a patient leaves the hospital. Our cardiac rehabilitation program is helping patients rebuild strength, restore confidence and reduce their risk of future heart problems. Recently, the New Braunfels cardiac rehab team earned recertification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, recognizing its commitment to best practices and high-quality outcomes.

Studies show patients who complete cardiac rehab can reduce hospital readmissions by up to 30% and live longer than those who don’t participate.

02/22/2026

In honor of Black History Month, we are honoring our black saints and holy figures like Blessed Marie-Clémentine Anuarite Nengapeta. Born in Congo in 1939, she became a religious sister with the Holy Family Sisters and lived with deep faith during a time of civil war. In 1964, rebels attacked her convent, and she was assaulted and killed for refusing violence and remaining faithful. Even in her final moments, she proclaimed forgiveness: “I forgive you for you do not know what you do.” Beatified by Pope St. John Paul II in 1985, her life remains a profound testament to courage, mercy and the power of forgiveness.

02/19/2026

It was during a routine checkup that Mary Skidmore learned she had a bicuspid aortic valve, a condition where the aortic valve has two flaps instead of three. She was referred to Cardiology Specialist Dr. Michael Benca. Tests found an ascending aortic aneurysm. She had open heart surgery, and a Dacron sleeve was placed around her aortic arch. Years later, when she experienced shortness of breath and leg swelling, Mary met with Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Brannon Hyde and learned she needed a valve replacement. She chose the TAVR procedure after learning about its quick recovery and the option to have it done locally, and she returned home the next day. After completing 36 sessions of cardiac rehab, Mary is back teaching full-time, plans to return to diving, and is grateful for the support of her entire care team.

02/18/2026

Loving God, as we welcome the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday, we gather before you as a community of faith. May this Lenten journey be an opportunity to grow deeper in our faith, our love and service to you and for others. We ask your mercy throughout this season of repentance and reconciliation so that we may renew our hearts and walk in the full light of your love.

"Return to me with your whole heart." - Joel 2:12