ASEC News

Remembering Barron Hilton

African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC)

William Barron Hilton (October 23, 1927 - September 19, 2019), photo courtesy of Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.


Hotelier and philanthropist Barron Hilton commits 97% of his wealth to the humanitarian work of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in his passing on September 19, 2019 at age 91.

Our deepest sympathies to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in the passing of Barron Hilton on September 19, 2019.

Barron Hilton, son of Conrad Hilton, was a patriot, entrepreneur and generous philanthropist. In his passing he followed in his father's footsteps, committing 97% of his wealth to the humanitarian work of the Hilton Foundation. His planned gift is projected to increase the foundation’s endowment from $2.9 billion to $6.3 billion, making Barron the organization’s most significant donor.

We know how much Conrad Hilton loved Catholic Sisters, a group that had profoundly influenced him since his childhood. His love was etched so deeply that Conrad explicitly named Catholic Sisters as beneficiaries in his last will and testament, which reads

"Be ever watchful for the opportunity to shelter little children with the umbrella of your charity; be generous to their schools, their hospitals, and their places of worship. For, as they must bear the burdens of our mistakes, so are they in their innocence the repositories of our hopes for the upward progress of humanity. Give aid to their protectors and defenders, the Sisters, who devote their love and life's work for the good of mankind, for they appeal especially to me as being deserving of help from the Foundation."

The African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) partners with the Hilton Foundation to provide access to education for Sisters in Africa through our Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) and Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) programs. ASEC's work is largely possible by the generous support of Conrad Hilton and his family.

It's obvious that Conrad's love of Catholic Sisters has trickled down through the generations, particularly to his son Barron and Barron's son Steven. We are saddened by the loss of Barron and wish the Hilton family comfort and peace during this difficult time. May God bless the kind hearts of this generous family who make our work possible. We pray that Barron may rest in eternal peace.

You can read more about the life of Barron Hilton on the Foundation's website.

Prayers and Condolences from our Sisters

"So sad...! May the dearest soul of our father Barron Hilton find its rest in God's mercies. RIP, Dad..." -Sr. Maria

"Oh! This is a sad news indeed. I am a beneficiary of his generosity to the Catholic Rev. Srs. May God grant his loving soul eternal rest. Amen." -Sr. Joy

"May he rest in eternal peace and above all, may Lord reward him for his generosity he showed to us. Shine on your way. My condolence to the family." -Sr. Scholastica

"My heartfelt condolences to the Hilton Family and the Foundation at large. Praying for the repose of Mr. Barron Hilton`s Soul that it may rest in Peace." -Sr. Juliana

"May he rest in peace. [I] am sure that he has gone to heaven direct for the good works, generosity and sacrifice." -Sr. Emmily

"May the good Lord who granted him such a generous heart grant him eternal happiness. May he rest in peace. Amen. He touched so many souls with his kindness including mine. May he receive heavenly joy." -Sr. Theresa

"Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Thank you Barron for pursuing your father's legacy. May this singular act grant you admittance to the presence of our heavenly Father." -Sr. Francisca

"May our brother Barron RIP, he is with God and he remains in our hearts. With love and appreciation." -Sr. Josephine

"May perpetual light shine upon you Barron and heartfelt condolences to the Hilton family." -Sr. Petronella

"Thank you, Lord for the great works done through this family....... May you grant him eternal rest in your kingdom." -Sr. Sarah

"Sad to receive these news but in faith we thank God for the life Mr. Barron. May God reward him with eternal rest for the good work he did for humanity particularly us Catholic Sisters." -Sr. Susan

"My heartfelt condolences to the Hilton family. Praying for the family." -Sr. Adelina

"He has helped me in my life, given me the skill and confidence to proclaim the Gospel and assist the persons I am with. May his soul rest in peace. In my community we will offer mass for him." -Sr. Eva

"May he rest in peace and pray for us. We will ask mass for him tomorrow in our Community." -Sr. Georgette

"This is really shocking news for the passing on of one of strongest pillar of Hilton Foundation. We thank the almighty God for the life and a generous heart that He gave to Barron Hilton May the soul of Barron Hilton RIP. " Sr. Sylvia

"May the good Lord rest his soul in eternal peace n reward him for the tremendous work he has done for us. Fare thee well our beloved in faith." -Sr. Mildred

"Praying that heaven may be his bed forever. To the Hilton family we are praying with you and for you." -Sr. Mercy

Be a Ray of Hope

Communities across Africa are counting on Catholic Sisters, but 71% lack the education needed to carry out their important mission work. You can be a Ray of Hope for a Sister who needs you by donating to her education today.

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This article is addressing the following UN Sustainable Development Goal(s):

Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
Amy Fedele

Amy Fedele
Author
Former ASEC Media & Communications Manager - USA  

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