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. | | The Holy See | Pope Leo XIV | | Pope Leo XIV shares vision for papacy in age of artificial intelligence | | |
"PEACE BEGINS with each one of us...In the way we look at others, listen to others, and speak about others." - Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV met with the College of Cardinals on May 10 for his first official address since his election, outlining key priorities for his pontificate in the age of artificial intelligence while emphasizing continuity with his predecessors and commitment to the Church’s social teaching.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | We give thanks to God for the gift of a new Bishop of Rome, Successor of the Apostle Peter, visible head of the Church. The pope exercises his ministry as a visible sign of unity, guaranteeing ecclesial communion, not by human power, but by the grace that comes to him from the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We must listen to the voice of God in the Word, then we must dialogue with those who seek Christ, and finally, we must allow the Holy Spirit to do his work of transformation. Our attitude toward the Vicar of Christ must partake in our faith in the Lord Jesus: listen attentively, weigh his message in our lives, and act accordingly. Pope Leo XIV, like those Successors of Peter in the early centuries, goes out to meet humanity with humility and courage, aware that no one can come to Jesus unless drawn by the Father. We are confident that, like Peter after the Resurrection, the pope will shepherd us with the love of the Good Shepherd. We feel called to renew our promise of faithful, free, and spiritual obedience that springs from faith and charity. We pledge our commitment to remain united in prayer and communion, praying to God to grant the pope wisdom, strength, and holiness in the exercise of his Petrine ministry. Let us pray earnestly that the Lord may grant the Roman Pontiff divine light in discernment, courage to proclaim the Cross, and a heart capable of conveying to us the joy and hope of the Resurrection.
| | | | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | |
High School Graduations Broadcast
May 16-June 4
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La Celebración de los 25 años de canonización de los Mártires Mexicanos
21 de mayo a las 6:30 p.m.
Celebration of the Anniversary of the Canonization of the Mexican Martyrs
May 21 at 6:30 p.m.
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La Arquidiócesis de San Antonio nos invitan a la celebración de los 25 años de canonización de los Mártires Mexicanos, que se realizará en la Parroquia de Holy Spirit (indicaciones para llegar). La celebración incluirá una misa seguida de una reflexión y veneración de las reliquias de primer grado.
Esta celebración será en español, pero se están planeando celebraciones bilingües e inglesas. Para más información, contactar al P. Rafael Becerra por correo electrónico o llamar al (210) 341-1395.
The Archdiocese of San Antonio invites everyone to the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the canonization of the Mexican Martyrs which will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (directions). The celebration will include Mass followed by reflection and veneration of the first-degree relics.
This celebration will be in Spanish; however, bilingual and English celebrations are being planned. For more information, contact Father Rafael Becerra by email or call (210) 341-1395.
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Free Concert at Mission Concepción:
Northland Youth Choir of Fairbanks, Alaska
Tuesday, May 27 at 10 a.m.
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Pentecost Vigil Mass
Saturday, June 7 at 5 p.m.
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Archbishop Gustavo invites you to celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (directions). Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles, a feast often referred to as the birthday of the Church.
Share the sacramental presence of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion so that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we may continue to walk united in Christ. As we gather to worship, we anticipate a transformative experience of the Holy Spirit's presence among us.
As a special time of spiritual renewal and the outpouring of God's grace upon His people, the archbishop sends a special invitation to all newly initiated Catholics, Catholic school families, and religious congregations. If you are recently baptized or fully initiated, have children enrolled at a Catholic school, or a member of a religious congregation, RSVP here.
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Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
Visit St. Lawrence Catholic Church
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St. Lawrence Church was established in September 1959 as a daughter parish of St. Leo’s and was named after the early Roman martyr and deacon, Saint Lawrence. In February 1959 the first five acres of land for the church were acquired, and by April there were two additional acres purchased, upon which the church was eventually built. The first sacraments received were in October of 1959.
As the community of St. Lawrence continued to grow, it required a larger building for the church. On August 10, 1998, the feast day of St. Lawrence the Martyr, the parish broke ground for a new church building that was dedicated by Archbishop Patrick Flores on April 16, 2000. In September 2005, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez blessed the new St. Lawrence Religious Education Classrooms and the Courtyard. In September 2024, Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette blessed the church’s new retablo. The retablo is a Colonial style art piece that was placed to enhance the brick wall of the church sanctuary.
St. Lawrence in collaboration with the Southwest Urban Deanery, is hosting Jubilee Masses throughout the year beginning at 10 a.m. All are welcome. See the schedule here.
Plan your visit to St. Lawrence Catholic Church and learn more about the Jubilee Year of Hope today.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Photo: Veronica Markland for Catholic Television of San Antonio | | A Mass in Thanksgiving at San Fernando Cathedral in honor of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo, took place May 8. This historic event marked a moment of unity and prayer for Catholics around the world as the new Holy Father was welcomed. | | A joyous groundbreaking event took place at St. James the Apostle School the morning of May 12, a ceremony described by speakers as being a long time in coming, but that God's timing is perfect. Among the presenters at the gathering were Liz Gonzalez, principal of St. James the Apostle School; Father Ricardo Ramirez, pastor of St. James the Apostle Parish; Archbishop Gustavo; Dr. Marti West, superintendent of Catholic Schools; Jennifer Rodriguez, archdiocesan director of Stewardship and Development; and Kim Gonzalez, associate superintendent of Capital and Construction Projects for the Department of Catholic Schools. Students wore yellow hardhats and sang before and after the groundbreaking. | | 2025 Catholic Directory is Here | | |
The 2025 Catholic Directory is here! The directory includes updated clergy assignments, archdiocesan services, educational services, health services, contact information and Mass schedules for urban and rural parishes, priests, deacons, brothers, women religious and more.
Click here to purchase the directory or contact Mandy Franco by email or call (210) 734-1610.
| | GOOD NEWS! For just $18, subscribers receive 22 issues of Today's Catholic Newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox. | |
Treasures of the Archdiocese of San Antonio: A Commemorative Book
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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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