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.

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2 Tm 1, 1-8

Pablo, apóstol de Jesucristo por voluntad de Dios, conforme a la promesa de vida que hay en Cristo Jesús, a Timoteo, hijo querido. Te deseo la gracia, la misericordia y la paz de Dios Padre y de Cristo Jesús, Señor nuestro.

Cuando de noche y de día te recuerdo en mis oraciones, le doy gracias a Dios, a quien sirvo con una conciencia pura, como lo aprendí de mis antepasados.

No puedo olvidar tus lágrimas al despedirnos y anhelo volver a verte para llenarme de alegría, pues recuerdo tu fe sincera, esa fe que tuvieron tu abuela Loida y tu madre Eunice, y que estoy seguro que también tienes tú.

Por eso te recomiendo que reavives el don de Dios que recibiste cuando te impuse las manos. Porque el Señor no nos ha dado un espíritu de temor, sino de fortaleza, de amor y de moderación. No te avergüences, pues, de dar testimonio de nuestro Señor, ni te avergüences de mí, que estoy preso por su causa. Al contrario, comparte conmigo los sufrimientos por la predicación del Evangelio, sostenido por la fuerza de Dios.

Join us, this Sunday, January 28, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church for the celebration of Mass with the Deaf Ministry of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. We gather in a special way with Archbishop Gustavo, Deaf Catholics of the archdiocese, their loved ones, and our greater community for this Deaf Awareness Mass as we recognize our differences and walk in unity. Let us pray together as we strive to preserve and celebrate Deaf Culture in our local Church.

This year marks the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene established by St. Francis of Assisi, and Pope Francis, has granted a plenary indulgence to all Catholics who pray in front of a nativity scene at a Franciscan church and fulfill the plenary indulgence requirements (reconciliation, Mass receiving the Holy Eucharist, and prayers for the Pope’s intentions). The indulgence will be available until February 2, the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On February 2, the Capuchin Franciscans will host Pathway to Grace, a prayer service at the El Camino Campus to venerate the Nativity Scene. The requirements for a plenary indulgence will be offered at this event followed by a small reception with free hot chocolate at the Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center located directly behind Mission Concepción (263 Felisa St., San Antonio - Directions). Parking is available at the Pilgrimage Center parking lot and at the Mission Concepción lot next-door. For more information, contact Binisa Zentella at (210) 355-1884, Binisa.Zentella@archsa.org

What is a plenary indulgence? A plenary indulgence is a way of seeking God’s mercy and grace by performing certain acts that result in a remission of the temporal punishment due for sins that have already been forgiven. The indulgence can be applied either to oneself or to the souls in purgatory, but they cannot be applied to other persons living on earth.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio and El Camino de San Antonio Missions invite Young Adults to walk side-by-side with Jesus Christ and each other in Eucharistic procession from Mission San José to San Fernando Cathedral. Registration is free and includes a T-shirt, lunch, and bus transportation back to Mission San José. See the schedule, FAQs, tips on having a comfortable journey, and more on our website.

Catholic Schools benefit all year long from the religious guidance, prayers and support parishes provide. Many parishes join in the National Catholic Schools Week celebration by devoting a Mass to Catholic education. Schools start the week by inviting parishioners and community members to parish-centered events and school open houses that feature their outstanding academic programs, religious education and service opportunities.

In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church. We hope that you find the following resources helpful for your own celebrations of World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life!

Engaged and convalidating couples are invited to attend this one-day bilingual retreat presented by the archdiocese to complement the formation received through the marriage preparation process in their home parish as they seek to minister to each other the sacrament of holy matrimony. The retreat will take place at St. Luke Church (4603 Manitou Drive, San Antonio, TX 78228 – Directions) and registration is open. 

Knights of Columbus Council 10240 at St. Luke’s Church is hosting a Mass for people with special needs and/or handicaps on Sunday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m., at the parish at 4603 Manitou Drive with Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak as celebrant. A reception will follow the liturgy. People with special needs and/or handicaps are in society, at school, at work, and in families. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be challenging for them to participate in liturgies due to physical or social barriers. Celebrating a Mass for this community can be the first of many steps toward integration into parish life. The Knights are hosting this liturgy and hope to spread the message that all of God’s children are welcome and that every person is an integral part of the parish family.

The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General has designated February 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. On this day, Catholics all over the world are encouraged to host or attend prayer services to create greater awareness about this phenomenon.

February 11 is World Day of the Sick, an observation introduced by Pope John Paul II as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses.

Discern if you are called to bring an official parish group, or simply encourage your parishioners to travel independently. Whether parishioners attend for one day or all five, this gathering will bless your community tremendously!

Faithful from across the archdiocese gathered in prayer for the protection of human life at San Fernando Cathedral on January 21, attending a Respect Life Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette and Bishop Emeritus Michael Pfeifer, OMI, of the Diocese of San Angelo praising God for the opportunity that state and federal legislators have to protect unborn children. Attendees prayed for sustained protection of the unborn, for support for mothers and families in need, and for decision makers to continue to advocate for the most vulnerable among us. There was a rosary prior to the liturgy. Photo by: Veronica Markland | Today's Catholic Newspaper

The Central Catholic High School Army JROTC Chaminde Drill Team secured first place overall in the Armed Competition at the Fifth Brigade Drill National Championships held last Saturday at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The team is headed back to the National Drill Competition later this spring in Daytona Beach, Florida, with the goal of a three-peat, building on the previous two national championships.

Cabrini, a biopic of the patron saint of immigrants, tells a story of resilience in the face of resistance. After an Italian nun moves to Five Points in New York City, Francesca Cabrini fights against the archbishop, mayor, and overt xenophobia to build an orphanage for impoverished Italian-Americans. With entrepreneurship, grit, and boldness, Cabrini creates a home full of compassion and a legacy that’s everlasting. The film stars Cristiana Dell'Anna (The Hand of God, The King of Laughter) who plays the lead role of Francesca Cabrini. David Morse (The Green Mile, The Hurt Locker) plays Archbishop Corrigan and John Lithgow (The Crown, Dexter) plays Mayor Gould.

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To find more archdiocesan events and activities visit our website, www.archsa.org.

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