Welcome to The New Messenger, your weekly archdiocesan newsletter featuring messages from Archbishop Gustavo, news briefs, event previews, and updated information. The Archdiocese of San Antonio's weekly newsletter is published every Friday morning. | |
Friday, December 13, 2024 | |
St. Lucy is a virgin and martyr of Syracuse in Sicily, whose feast is celebrated on December 13. According to tradition, Saint Lucy was born to rich and noble parents in the year 283. When her body was being prepared for burial, they discovered her eyes had been restored. This and the meaning of her name ("light" or "lucid") led to her patronage with eyes; the blind, eye trouble, and other eye ailments. | |
The Holy See: Pope Francis | |
Pope Francis and the ‘Increasing Burden of Age’ | |
Pope Francis celebrates his birthday on Dec. 17, 2023, with children and families who are assisted by the Vatican’s Santa Marta Pediatric Dispensary. (photo: Vatican Media / VM) | |
Pope Francis, who turns 88 on December 17, is the second-oldest pope in modern history (after Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903 at the age of 93). Pope Benedict XVI resigned at the age of 85 and went on to live almost another decade as pope emeritus. Pope St. John Paul II was almost 85 when he died in 2005. | |
Message from Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | As we journey through this holy time of Advent, preparing for the coming of Jesus, we near the transforming power of God’s love and the joy that awaits those who trust in Him. Even when it feels like God is silent, His plan for peace and restoration is unfolding. He will guide us with joy in the light of His glory. Our faith teaches us that God’s silence is not absence; it is the quiet preparation of something greater. The good work God has begun in our lives will be brought to completion. This assurance fills us with joy because God never abandons His work in us. He calls us to respond with love and perseverance, knowing that His grace will sustain us. We are invited to embrace God’s transforming love and joy by shedding despair, trusting in His faithfulness, and preparing our hearts and lives for the coming of Jesus, who brings salvation into the fabric of our human story. Let us ask ourselves: Where do I need to let go of mourning and embrace God’s joy? How can we prepare the way for Jesus in our lives and the lives of others? Advent is a season of hope, not only for us, but for the entire world. Let us trust in the God who transforms valleys into highways and makes all flesh see His salvation.
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Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | |
Worship on the River Christmas Concert | Tuesday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m. | |
In today's Responsorial Psalm, we read "Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life." Prepare for the Light of life this Advent season by joining us for our annual Christmas Concert! Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, and the Archdiocese of San Antonio Young Adult Ministry invite you to a special night with adoration, fellowship, food, and Christmas music on Tuesday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m. at San Fernando Cathedral. | |
150 Years commemorative T-shirt: Order yours today!
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Get your commemorative T-shirt just in time for Christmas! The design highlights two extraordinary years in the life of the local Church: 1874, the year that the Diocese of San Antonio was established; and 1926, the year that the Diocese of San Antonio was elevated to an archdiocese. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the diocese in 2024 and the 100th anniversary of the archdiocese in 2026, this T-shirt is a beautiful keepsake for years to come. Contained within the anniversary years are the names of all the parishes in the archdiocese, serving as a tribute to the many communities who have helped the local Church grow and continue to serve as missionary disciples today. Prepare the way for the upcoming 100th anniversary celebration: Purchase a T-shirt today! | |
La Gran Posada | San Fernando Cathedral | Sunday, December 15 | |
La Gran Posada begins at Milam Park at 6 p.m. and ends at San Fernando Cathedral. | |
Catholics & Jews Celebrate Hanukkah | Thursday, December 19 | |
H-E-B Feast of Sharing | 32nd Annual Holiday Dinner | |
Season of Advent | December 1 - 24, 2024 | |
Third Sunday of Advent | December 15 | |
Today is the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. At this halfway point in the season of Advent, light two violet candles and the rose candle on your Advent wreath and Rejoice! For the Lord is near! | |
Deaf Mass Schedule for Advent and Christmas | |
The Deaf Christmas Vigil Mass on December 24 at 4:30 p.m. will be celebrated by Father Len Broniak. | |
Beyond Cana Marriage Enrichment | January 25, 2025 | |
Join us for a special brunch with other married couples at St. Francis of Assisi to experience a little enrichment in your marriage with keynote speaker Dana Nygaard, author of the book 365 Dates to Renew your Christian Marriage – Catholic Edition. | |
Catholic Men's Conference | February 22, 2025 | |
Catholic Television of Television | |
Photo: Veronica Markland | For CTSA Television | |
A beautiful sight, sounds of the season, and inspiring words were heard December 3 as Santa, along with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion Violet Guillon, officially lit the CHRISTUS Children’s downtown Christmas tree. | |
Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak and seminarians Deacon Guillermo Cruz, Luis De La Cruz, Luis Martinez and Dustin Martin participated in the San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series half-marathon on December 8. The group ran the 13.1 mile race in an effort to raise awareness for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. With the special intention of promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life, Sister Ana Cecila Montalvo, FSpS, assistant vocation director for the archdiocese; Sister Monica Ocampo, FSpS; and seminarians Luis Gómez and Erick Cruz took to the pavement despite the cold temperatures to participate in the San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series 5k on December 7. | |
Archdiocesan Retreat Center | |
Come to the quiet in the peaceful surroundings at St. Peter Upon the Water: A Center for Spiritual Direction and Formation. For those wanted to listen for God's voice, St. Peter Upon the Water, a trust of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, is a place of quiet contemplation located on over 170 acres in the Texas Hill Country. | |
Subscribe to the New Messenger | |
Perfect Christmas Gift | Available in Spanish | |
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Treasures of the Archdiocese of San Antonio: A Commemorative Book
Give a gift of faith this Christmas! When you buy the commemorative book Treasures of the Archdiocesan of San Antonio you will also receive the Today's Catholic 150th anniversary magazine as an added bonus.
Don't let this opportunity slip away. Purchase your book now and take home or pass along a piece of history!
- Published by Editions du Signe | ISBN : 978-2-7468-4515-2
- 9.65” x 11.81”
- Soft cover – glossy paper – 440 pages
- Full color throughout
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Seeking to live in sacramental communion with one another, the Archdiocese of San Antonio exists to make disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ to prepare for the promise of Eternal Life.
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