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.

Born in Igolomia near Kraków as the eldest of four children in a wealthy family, he was christened Adam. During the 1864 revolt against Czar Alexander III, Adam’s wounds forced the amputation of his left leg. His great talent for painting led to studies in Warsaw, Munich, and Paris. Adam returned to Kraków and became a Secular Franciscan. In 1888, when he founded the Brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis, Servants to the Poor, he took the name Albert. They worked primarily with the homeless, depending completely on alms while serving the needy regardless of age, religion, or politics. A community of Albertine Sisters was established later.

Pope Francis greets visitors while riding the popemobile in St. Peter's Square during his general audience at the Vatican June 12, 2024. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Pope Francis urges Christians to read the Bible every day and advises priests.

El Camino de San Antonio Missions and the University of the Incarnate Word invite children and families to the first-ever Mission Arts Experience at the Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center (directions) on Saturday, June 15, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. This free event includes guided exploration of Mission Concepción, a World Heritage Site founded in the 1700s, and guided arts activities including visual art, sculpture, song, drama, dance, poetry, or spoken word.

Join the San Antonio Vocations Office and fellow young adults (ages 18-35) for pizza and “Love God’s Will,” an inspiring documentary at at Assumption Seminary (2600 W. Woodlawn Ave., San Antonio 78228 - directions) at 6:45 p.m. We will watch a captivating documentary about the incredible journey of Father Ryan Stawaisz. Despite facing cancer, his story is a testament faith and love for God’s will. And of course, what better way to enjoy the evening than with delicious pizza! RSVP at your earliest convenience to secure your spot.

Are you a young man in high school who feels called to discern a life as a priest? The San Antonio Vocations Office is hosting a Come and See day on Saturday, June 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Assumption Seminary (2600 W. Woodlawn Ave., San Antonio 78228 - directions). Come, see, and live the life of a seminarian. Do not be afraid to embrace your vocation. God is calling. For more information, contact the Vocations Office at (210) 735-0553 or at vocations@archsa.org. 

As we approach the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of San Antonio and its central celebration, Assembly 2024: Walking United in Christ, we’re happy to announce the upcoming release of the commemorative book, "Treasures of the Archdiocese of San Antonio".

Parish pre-ordered books: Shipments coordinated with the parishes through Editions du Signe, the book publisher, and Cathco Services, the company responsible for delivery, are anticipated to arrive at churches between June 17-July 5. The archdiocese will soon provide a media kit to help promote the book to your community. More details will be sent to pastors as information is confirmed.

Leading up to the Assembly on October 26 and in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the diocese, Today’s Catholic Newspaper would like to hear your story! Do you have a story to share about the archdiocese, it's history, or what the local Church means to you? Submit your story using this form.

SELLING FAST! The directory includes: Parish information and Mass schedules; updated clergy assignments and a listing of religious orders and organizations; sections dedicated to archdiocesan, educational and health services; and information about priests, deacons, brothers and women religious. Pick up your order at the Pastoral Ministry Center or have it shipped to you. Click here to order yours today. Need more information visit our website or contact Mandy Franco at mandy.franco@archsa.org or 210-734-1610.

The new film “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist” scored big at the box office, grossing $2,141,273 and landing at the No. 1 spot in per screen average for all three days of its initial release. According to Fathom Events, the film’s distributor, the movie is Fathom’s highest-grossing documentary of 2024 and is currently in second place among all documentaries released in 2024 so far. In response to popular demand, it will return to theaters nationwide June 18–19. The feature-length documentary by executive producer Deacon Steve Greco and producers Tim Moriarty and James Wahlberg was shown in theaters nationwide June 4–6. 

Veronica Markland | Today's Catholic Newspaper

It was a day of thanksgiving for the archdiocese on June 8 as 16 new deacons joined hundreds of their confreres in the ministry of charity, the Word, and the altar following their ordination at St. Mark the Evangelist Church by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS. Newly ordained deacons and their wives are Regino and Cecilia Avila, Carlos and Sherry Barrera, Estevan and Patricia Bautista, Ebelio and Graciela Fuentes, Ovidio and Leticia Garcia, Mark and Patricia Henson, Matthew Laijas, Antonio and Victoria Leven, David and Martha Plata, Roel S. and Carmen Quiroga, Santiago and Millam Sánchez, Adrian and Jennifer Soriano, John and Linda Treviño, Mark and Julie Urby, Philip and Carol Villanueva, and Enrique and Blanca Villegas. 

Issue Highlights:

• Memorial Day Masses: San Fernando II and III, Holy Cross cemeteries host liturgies
• Religious Jubilarians: Beauty of living the Gospel and following Christ to the full
• New Deacons: Help in carrying out the Church’s mission of evangelization

The next issue of Today's Catholic Newspaper will be published July 5.

To find more archdiocesan events and activities visit our website, https://archsa.org/events.

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