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.

Saint Dominic was born in 1000 in Cañas, Navarre, Spain. He was born a peasant, and as a youth worked as a shepherd until he entered the Benedictine monastery in Navarre. When Dominic refused to hand over the monastery lands at the King of Navarre’s demands, he was forced to leave the house with two other monks.

The opening of the Holy Door during the Jubilee of Mercy in 2015

The Jubilee starting on December 24 is a religious event of enormous significance for the city of Rome, Italy, and the world. It will last an entire year: from the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's, with the ceremony scheduled for Christmas Eve, until the closure on Epiphany, January 6, 2026. Pope Francis has dedicated it to the theme of hope, "the smallest of virtues but the most powerful," explaining that it will address the deepest needs of men and women of every generation in a historical time full of uncertainties like the current one, marked by wars on the borders of Europe, the anthropological uncertainties of digital culture, whose introduction into everyday life is destined to change future human dynamics.

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The Pastoral Ministry Center will be closed Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 and Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25 for the Christmas Season. For more information, visit, www.archsa.org.

Join us for a Zoom dialogue with renowned expert and author, Gregory D. Schutte, MSW, LISW-S! Expert Gregory D. Schutte will share research focused on developing opportunities to face marital challenges by building a Eucharist Marriage. Building off a therapeutic model for change, Greg will connect the seven areas for therapeutically strengthening marriages with seven areas for deepening our relationship with Christ through the Eucharist.

This season give the remarkable Gift of Pilgrimage to yourself or a loved one! Embark on a transformative journey along the El Camino de San Antonio Missions trail, where spirituality and history intertwine. Experience the wonder of walking in the footsteps of countless pilgrims exploring the sacred grounds of San Antonio's historic missions. Instantly download and print a pilgrimage voucher, redeemable at the Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center (directions) for a Pilgrim Passport and special pilgrimage token. It's the perfect last-minute gift that guarantees an unforgettable and meaningful experience for your loved ones.

The fourth Sunday of Advent occurs in the last week before Christmas, symbolizing love. The fourth candle, typically referred to as the “Angels’ Candle,” reminds Christians of God’s profound love for humanity, which is demonstrated through the gift of Jesus. This week focuses on serving and loving others as an expression of gratitude for the love received from God. Believers are called to reflect on how they can show love in practical ways during this Advent season. This fourth Sunday tradition emphasizes the importance of relationships and community, urging individuals to seek out opportunities to demonstrate love and kindness.

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

Photo: Veronica Markland | For CTSA Television

Rosemary Kowalski, one of the city’s most successful businesswomen, whose catering company, The RK Group, has served hundreds of thousands — if not millions — of meals for the past 70 years across Texas, the United States, and around the world, died on December 10 at the age of 100. Visitation and rosary were held December 18 at San Fernando Cathedral, with her funeral Mass held on December 19 at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, with Archbishop Gustavo presiding. 

In keeping with revered tradition, San Fernando Cathedral once again hosted the symbolic celebration of La Gran Posada on December 15. The journey with Mary and Joseph begin in Milam Park, making various stops along with way, starting in Market Square and including Mi Tierra Restaurant, La Margarita Restaurant, the Spanish Governor’s Palace, City Hall, and the Bexar County Courthouse before concluding at the cathedral. Las Posadas, which translates to “the inns,” is another beloved tradition that holds a special place at the missions and reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for lodging in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. Today, the mission churches and cathedral generally choose an evening in December before Christmas for the celebration. 

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.

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

Archdiocese of San Antonio

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Treasures of the Archdiocese | El Camino de San Antonio Missions

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