Friday, December 26, 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 | | The most valuable gift to give this Christmas according to Pope Leo XIV | | |
Pope Leo XIV told the young people of Italian Catholic Action that they can perform a simple gesture that would be the best gift this Christmas: make peace.
“Before the holy night of Christmas, think of someone with whom you can make peace,” the pontiff urged members of the organization, founded in 1868, which has established itself as one of the main lay organizations of the Church in Italy.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | | |
I want to offer you one simple image to hold in your heart: a door slowly opening to the light. God specializes in opening doors from the inside. He looks at the lowly, the hungry, the forgotten — and fills them with hope. God takes what is simple, even wounded, and makes it holy. In the Eucharist, Christ enters places that seem closed and says quietly, “I am with you.” This is not a symbol of escape, but of transformation. Remember that Christmas is not about lights and ornaments, but about a new presence of God in our lives. The living Jesus truly wants to make Himself present in your lives, in your hearts. So here is the exhortation, very concrete: open your heart. Let the door open — to gratitude, to repentance, to trust, to mercy. May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of hope and tenderness, stand with you, wrap you in her mantle, and lead you always to her Son, the Light no door can shut.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | |
Celebrate Christmas with San Antonio
Deaf Catholic on Sunday, December 28,
11 a.m., Our Lady of Sorrows Church
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Looking for a welcoming spiritual community this holiday season? Join us at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (directions) for beautiful ASL-interpreted Masses and festive gatherings designed for Deaf Catholics and their loved ones.
Following Mass, you are welcome in Chavez Hall for a Christmas party and potluck. Bring your favorite dish, enjoy fellowship, and try your luck with the Three Kings Cake — find a baby figure and win a prize. This is more than Mass — its community, friendship, and faith celebrated together. Families and friends, spread the word and invite deaf Catholics you know. For more information, email Alejandra B. Lozano, Director of Deaf Ministry.
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A Christmas Call to Love:
Discover Pope Leo XIV’s Dilexi Te
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In this blessed Christmas season, we remember that our Savior entered the world not in a palace, but in poverty, embracing the margins of society. As we celebrate the birth of the Poor Messiah, Pope Leo XIV invites us to deepen our love for the disadvantaged in his first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi Te (“I Have Loved You”).
We invite you to explore the USCCB’s dedicated page for Dilexi Te, which offers profound resources including the “Jesus, the Poor Messiah” prayer and reflections on racial justice. A highlight of these resources is an amazing video that beautifully illustrates the Holy Father's teaching that the poor are not merely objects of compassion, but truly our teachers in the Gospel. As we look forward to the New Year 2026, let us embrace Pope Leo’s inspiring challenge to ensure our love for God is inseparable from concrete help for those in need. May we dedicate the coming year to becoming a Church that “sets no limits to love,” encountering Christ anew in the faces of the poor.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Archbishop Gustavo celebrated his 69th birthday on December 21. We are grateful for his leadership, dedication, and faith to the archdiocese. | | Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper | | The annual Catholic and Jews celebrate Hannukah luncheon was held at the San Fernando Cathedral Hall on December 18, featuring the kindling of the menorah. Among the candlelighters were Gladys Gonzalez, interim president/CEO of Catholic Charities, and Gal Shweiki, president of Congregation Agudas Achim. Looking on is Rabbi Emeritus Samuel Stahl of Temple Beth-El. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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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.
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