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.

On the Feast of St. Mark, April 25, 1467, at the close of a festival in Genazzano, Italy, a cloud descended upon an ancient 5th-century deteriorated church, dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel. When the cloud disappeared, the festive crowd found a small, fragile image of the Blessed Virgin and Child on a thin sheet of plaster. The painting is said to have hung in mid-air, suspended without support, floating, on a small ledge. This particular fresco is said to date to the time of the Apostles. It had long been venerated in Albania’s capital city, Scutari. Much of the church of Our Lady of Good Counsel was destroyed in World War II, but the image remained intact and in place. The miraculous image is still there today after more than 500 years. Countless miracles have been attributed to the prayerful intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Many pilgrims visit the church in Genazzano, and take part in the annual spring celebration, observed on April 25. Elsewhere in the world, the feast is celebrated April 26.

I.Media - Isabella H. de Carvalho - published on 04/23/24

The pope urged young people to remember their peers in Gaza, who don’t have the chance to smile as they “suffer under machine gun fire.” He made this invitation as he met with a group of some 6,000 teachers and students from the Italian network “Schools for Peace” (“Scuole per la Pace”), in the Vatican’s Paul VI audience hall on April 19, 2024.

There are only five days left to join the 200-plus local Catholics already registered to attend the National Eucharistic Congress, where Archbishop Gustavo will be one of many inspirational impact speakers! Don’t miss this opportunity to represent your parish and be transformed! Register by May 1 to take advantage of our special discounted rate.

Archbishop Gustavo invites all persons with disabilities and their families, caregivers, and loved ones to join him for this incredibly special Mass. Come as you are to participate in and experience this sensory-friendly Mass. This liturgy will include softer music, daily Mass readings and a shorter homily in a stigma-free environment. Please bring whatever is needed to be comfortably present at Mass.  Hosted at St. Helena Church (14714 Edgemont St., SA, TX 78247). RSVP is appreciated. 

Leading up to the Assembly on October 26 and in celebration of the 150^th 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.

The Pastoral Ministry Center will be closed Friday, April 26, for the Battle of Flowers Parade.

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.

Daniel Esparza - published on 04/25/24

This unique collaboration is a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and remind us of our common humanity, anchored in the search for beauty and the divine.

After reaching #1 in 2020, the Poor Clares released four enormous albums with meditations on the four seasons, creating a vast catalogue of sacred music. The Poor Clares of Arundel are back with a brand new release for 2024. The song, “My Peace I Give You,” is a beautiful hymn that is given a superb treatment by this talented group of singers. 

“Love God's Will” is the true story of a young priest in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Father Ryan Stawaisz. After graduating from Texas A&M University as a petroleum engineer with a promising career ahead of him, he felt God was calling him to the priesthood. A year before his ordination, Ryan was diagnosed with cancer, and his desire became not only to DO God’s will, but to LOVE God’s will. Despite his battle with cancer, Father Ryan remained steadfast in his desire to serve others and to share the love of Christ with everyone who crossed his path. His public ministry lasted a brief three years; but, Father Ryan’s witness continues to inspire people of all ages. A screening of the film was held recently at the Alamo Quarry Theatre with Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak and members of Father Ryan's family in attendance.

A ribbon-cutting and blessing event was held April 12 for the grand re-opening of St. John Hall at Assumption Seminary. Father Jim Myers, PSS, seminary rector, discussed the impact on Assumption Seminary; Bishop Janak elaborated on how revitalization efforts at Assumption are impacting vocations; and Archbishop Gustavo, highlighted what this means for the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Jennifer Rodriguez, director of Stewardship and Development for the archdiocese, expressed her gratitude to the more than 20,000 donors of the On the Way - Andale Capital Campaign, which funded the renovation work on the 50-year-old building to transform it into a state-of-the-art center of pastoral education and formation. 

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

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