Friday, September 19, 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 | | Vatican lights up with drone show at historic Grace for the World concert | | |
St. Peter’s Square became the stage for an unprecedented spectacle on the night of September 13, as tens of thousands gathered for Grace for the World, a massive concert closing the third World Meeting on Human Fraternity.
The event opened with breathtaking symbolism: more than 3,000 drones illuminated the night sky above the basilica, tracing the image of Pope Francis, framing Michelangelo’s dome and Bernini’s colonnade in light. The display, a first for the Vatican, drew reverent silence before the crowd erupted in applause.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | Christ Himself calls us to solidarity with the poor, with the vulnerable, and with all creation, which suffers under the weight of exploitation and neglect. The “world” includes not only humanity but the whole of creation, which groans for redemption. If we wish to walk in its light, our discipleship must be expressed in daily habits that care for both our neighbor and our common home. We are invited to live simply, resisting the culture of waste. Before buying, we might ask: “Do I truly need this?” We can honor the Creator by reducing waste, recycling, reusing, and giving thanks for the gifts of food and water. In caring for water, conserving energy, planting a small garden, and avoiding the unnecessary use of resources, we embody the humility of Christ who emptied himself for us. From the cross springs forth resurrection, life, justice, and reconciliation. So let us take up our cross daily, not only by bearing life’s burdens with faith, but also by choosing small, faithful actions that heal the earth and serve the poor. In this way, we join Christ in sowing seeds of peace and hope until creation itself is renewed.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | |
40 Days for Life Kickoff Rally
Saturday, September 20 at 2 p.m.
| | Join the 40 Days for Life Kickoff Rally tomorrow to learn more about this fall’s 40 Days for Life prayer campaign, hear testimonies, and pray together. Taking place in the parish hall at St. Matthew Church (directions), Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak will lead the opening prayer, followed by Respect Life leaders Sherry and Joe Brewer of St. Mark the Evangelist Church who will share their story of hope and healing. This event is open to everyone. To learn more about 40 Days for Life, call or text Cindi Serna at (210) 410-9424. | |
Celebrate Faith and Culture with Archbishop Gustavo at the Third African Mass
Sunday, September 21 at 3 p.m.
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Join Catholics from across the archdiocese for the Third African Mass, a vibrant celebration of faith and culture at St. Paul Community Center (directions). The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo and will bring together the beauty of the Catholic faith expressed in African traditions. With joyful music and prayer offered in a variety of African languages, along with English, this liturgy will highlight the richness of our Church’s diversity.
Following the Mass, a reception will feature traditional African foods prepared by members of the Igbo, Cameroonian, Ghanaian, Congolese, and other communities. This liturgy is open to all, especially Catholics of African descent and anyone who has lived in or served in Africa. Experience a joyful, faith-filled liturgy that reflects the universality of our Church. All are welcome.
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Catechetical Sunday
Sunday, September 21
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Catechetical Sunday is a special day in the U.S. Catholic Church, celebrated annually in September, where the Church recognizes and blesses catechists and those involved in faith formation. This year’s theme is “Always be ready to give an explanation...for a reason for your hope.” – 1 Peter 3:15. The theme encourages us to be prepared to share the basis of our faith, the Lord, and the hope he provides. A parish leader from St. Mark the Evangelist Church shared a moving testimony about a catechist who led him on a journey of self-discovery that changed his life forever. Read the story online.
As we celebrate Catechetical Sunday, take a moment to thank those who have helped you grow closer to Christ—whether a catechist, pastor, family member, or friend. These faithful witnesses plant seeds that God alone can grow into lives of deep faith and generous love. We are richly blessed by those who answer the call to teach us about Jesus, guiding us on the path of discipleship with patience, prayer, and joy. Send this graphic to those in your life who led you closer to Jesus.
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October is Respect Life Month:
Join Us for Special Masses
October 5 at 6 p.m. and October 26 at 8 a.m.
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We invite you to join us in honoring Respect Life Month under the 2025 theme: “Life: Our Sign of Hope.” Together, we reflect on life as a sacred gift from God—spiritual and physical—bestowed in love at two special Masses: October 5 at 6 p.m. at St. Anthony Mary Claret Church (directions) celebrated by Bishop Gary; and October 26 at 8 a.m. at San Fernando Cathedral (directions) celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo.
Additional Opportunities
• Pray The Respect Life Novena from October 22–30.
• Read and share the USCCB Reflection on the Sanctity of Life.
• Download and pray this Prayer for Hope throughout October.
| | Thank You for Walking in Faith and Solidarity with Creation | | To all who joined us for this year’s Care for Creation Mass and Pilgrimage—Thank you. Together, as one archdiocesan family, we gathered in the sacred beauty of God’s creation to give thanks, to walk in hope, and to recommit ourselves to the mission of caring for our common home. As Pope Leo XIV reminded us during his Mass for the Care of Creation: “Our mission to care for creation, to foster peace and reconciliation, is Jesus’ own mission, the mission that the Lord entrusts to us.” May that same mission continue to burn in our hearts. Let us continue to walk together, listening to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, as we answer God’s call with courage, love, and hope. | | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Photo: Xavier Ramirez for Catholic Television of San Antonio | | A Mass of Remembrance for those who have died by suicide was held September 10 at the Church of the Holy Spirit. Archbishop Gustavo celebrated the Mass in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, offering a space for prayer, healing, and hope for those affected by loss, and inviting attendees to place a flower at the altar in memory of a loved one. | | Photo: Veronica Markland, Today's Catholic Newspaper | | The archdiocesan Caring for Creation Mass was an outdoor liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo on September 14 at Mission Espada. The event is part of the Season of Creation and included a mile-and-a-half pilgrimage along the San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach Trail to Mission San Juan, encouraging participants to celebrate and care for the environment. | |
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 Sale
Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% Off!
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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.
To purchase, click here or contact Mandy Franco at (210) 734-1610 or email mandy.franco@archsa.org.
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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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