Friday, November 21, 2025 | | 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 restores custom of Christmas Day Mass | | |
Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Day morning, December 25 — a custom dating to the pontificate of St. John Paul II.
The Vatican announced Tuesday Pope Leo’s Mass schedule for November 1 through the end of the Christmas season in January 2026.
The addition of Christmas Mass During the Day, before the urbi et orbi blessing, is accompanied by a new hour for the celebration of the papal Christmas Mass During the Night on December 24.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | | |
Baptism, confirmation, and First Communion are the sacraments of initiation that heal us, renew us, and send us forth. Baptism washes us clean; confirmation fills us with the Holy Spirit. Through baptism we are cleansed, given new life in the Lord Jesus; through confirmation we are anointed; through Holy Communion we are nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ. The sacraments strengthen us so that we, like Jesus, may bring good news to the poor, freedom to the bound, and light to those in darkness. We all carry scars, regrets, and failings; yet God’s mercy reaches everyone without exception. No one is so lost or broken that God cannot raise him up. Let the water of baptism, the Spirit of confirmation, and the Body and Blood of Christ be your strength. Become Christ’s hands and feet: bringing hope, giving comfort, building a community of love.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | |
Help put the San Antonio Missions and San Fernando Cathedral on the National Map!
Voting is Open November 14–December 5
| | A national photo contest hosted by Partners for Sacred Places is shining a spotlight on historic sacred sites across the country and two of our beloved archdiocesan landmarks have made it to the public voting round: San Fernando Cathedral in the category “The Arts” (during the SAGA light show) and Mission Concepción in the category “Community Events” (during a vibrant celebration of Matachines in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe). If chosen as winners, these images will give nationwide, free publicity to San Fernando Cathedral, Mission Concepción, and El Camino de San Antonio Missions. Select a photo in each category, enter your email, and click submit to cast your vote today. It's that easy! Share the link with family and friends! | | |
Venerate Relics of the Cristero Martyrs
Tomorrow, Saturday, November 22, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blessed Sacrament Church
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Tomorrow is the day! The Brunch with the Bishop morning is structured to flow from the source and summit of our faith. The entire event begins with Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church (directions). Participating in the Sacrifice of the Mass is the perfect way to spiritually prepare to hear and integrate the challenging message of living a righteous faith.
Following the Mass, Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda will deliver his inspiring talk, which then transitions into intimate small group discussions and the powerful veneration of over 30 relics of the Cristero Martyrs. This carefully planned agenda ensures that you receive the spiritual sustenance needed to grow as a witness of Christ. We look forward to a morning of prayer, fellowship, and formation that will refresh your soul and strengthen your commitment. If you have not yet registered, please do so today. We are eager to welcome you for this meaningful morning with our new auxiliary bishop.
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Vigil with the Cristero Mexican Martyrs
Tomorrow, Saturday, November 22, 7– 9 p.m., San Fernando Cathedral
| | Come honor the heroic witnesses of faith who gave their lives for Christ the King and Our Lady of Guadalupe. Join us in prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving for their powerful legacy of love and courage at San Fernando Cathedral (directions). The evening will include veneration of first class relics of 38 Mexican martyrs, a talk, and Eucharist celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo. For more information, email Father Rafael Becerra or call (210) 204-6952. | |
Worship on the River—Christmas Concert
Tuesday, December 16, 6:30 p.m.,
San Fernando Cathedral
| | Mark your calendars for an annual Advent celebration that you don’t want to miss. Archbishop Gustavo and archdiocesan Young Adult Ministry invite you to a special night with the Blessed Sacrament. Join us for Adoration, fellowship, food, and a Christmas concert with your favorite songs of the season. We hope to see you at San Fernando Cathedral (directions). See the Lord’s love through the power of the Eucharist and the beauty of sacred music. Lift your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ to prepare the way for his birth at Christmas. | | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Recovery and cleanup efforts are well underway in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. CTSA recently spoke to one local priest there who shared his firsthand experience with the storm and the aftermath. | | Photo: Veronica Markland, Today's Catholic Newspaper | | St. George Maronite Catholic Church recently celebrated a milestone — its 100th year anniversary Mass — on November 16 with the Most Rev. Elias Zaidan, bishop of the Eparchy at Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, as the presider. Following the liturgy parishioners came together to dedicate and bless the new Centennial Plaza and the statue of St. George, as well as take a parish picture. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
| | GOOD NEWS! For just $20, subscribers receive 21 issues of Today's Catholic Newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox. | |
2025 Catholic Directory
Five Dollar Fall Sale
Limited Quantity
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Five Dollar Fall Directory Sale $5 each!
The directory includes information and Mass schedules for parishes in the archdiocese; updated clergy assignments and a listing of religious orders and organizations; sections dedicated to archdiocesan, educational and health services; and information about archdiocesan priests, deacons, brothers, women religious.
Limited quantity available. To purchase, email Mandy Franco, call (210) 734-1610, or click here.
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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.
| | | | | Don't miss out on the latest news and updates! Visit our Linktree profile now to subscribe to Today's Catholic Newspaper, sign up for The New Messenger, and explore archsa.org. Join our community and stay informed. | | | Copyright © 2025 Archdiocese of San Antonio. All rights reserved. | | | | |
