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. | | Pope praises God for those who shine light of His infinite love in the world | | Pope Francis on March 16 expressed his gratitude for those who bring God’s love into the world through their dedicated service to those who are sick. | | Message from Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | Remember that every trial is an opportunity to deepen your faith and shine Christ’s light in darkness. Embrace your divine mission with fervor and love. We are called to be Missionary Disciples, witnesses to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. His Passion, death, and glorious resurrection are the cornerstones of our hope for salvation. As our hearts open to the Holy Spirit, we are transformed into living stones in the great edifice of the Church. We are aware that in today’s world, the call to follow Jesus is met with persecution and misunderstanding. Yet, Jesus Himself endured persecution and remained silent in the face of false accusations, teaching us the strength of humble silence. Let us therefore trust in God’s infinite mercy and remain faithful to His Word. With hearts aflame with the love of Christ, continue to proclaim His Good News and build a Church that stands as a living testimony to His saving power. In your journey, may you always find strength in prayer, wisdom in Scripture, and the ever-guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, under the protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
| | | | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | |
40 Days for Life Spring Closing Rally
April 13 from 2–3 p.m.
| | Join the 40 Days For Life Closing Rally this Sunday, April 13, at St. Matthew Church - McDonald Family Center (directions). The special guest speaker will be Jackie Aguilar of Natural Womanhood. We will also provide an opportunity to share experiences from prayer time at the sidewalk. Snacks and door prizes will be provided. Doors open at 1:45 p.m. | | Chrism Mass | April 15 at 6 p.m. | | Catechumens who have been preparing for baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist, and all the people of God are invited to attend the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 15, at 6 p.m., at St. Mark the Evangelist Church (1602 Thousand Oaks Boulevard - directions) to witness the consecration of the sacred chrism, the holy oil with which they will be anointed at the Easter Vigil as they celebrate the sacraments of initiation. | |
The Passion of Christ
Good Friday, April 18 at 10 a.m.
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Archbishop Gustavo and the Father Carlos Velázquez, cathedral rector, invite the faithful to annual re-enactment of Passion of the Christ. The procession begins at Travis Park and ends at San Fernando Cathedral in Main Plaza with the Crucifixion.
Watch the broadcast on online at ctsa.tv, on CTSA Spectrum channel 15, or join us in person.
| | Jubilee Mass & Eucharistic Pilgrimage for Youth and Young Adults | April 26 | | "Finding Hope in the Call" | | Relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis to accompany pilgrims | | | |
A relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the soon-to-be first millennial saint, will accompany us during the Eucharistic Pilgrimage and will be available for veneration at the end of the activity in the Pilgrimage Center.
The pilgrimage is taking place just one day before Blessed Carlo will be canonized during a major Jubilee celebration dedicated to young people in Rome.
Join Archbishop Gustavo and Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak from 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 as we celebrate the Archdiocesan Jubilee Mass for Youth & Young Adults at San Fernando Cathedral followed by a silent Eucharistic pilgrimage to Mission Concepción and a synodal encounter at the Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center.
Registration is free and includes bus transportation and lunch. Those who registered before April 1 will receive a T-shirt.
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CTSA’s Annual Leadership Luncheon
April 30 at noon
Register now!
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CTSA invites you to their annual Leadership Luncheon as they recognize Father Dennis D. Aréchiga from St. Mark the Evangelist Church with the St. John Vianney Award, and Jorge Cortez of La Familia Cortez Restaurants (posthumously) with the Leadership in Communications Award.
Table sponsorships and individual seats are available. Register online, by mail, or call Janet Mefrige at (210) 734-1938. RSVP by Friday, April 18.
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Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
Visit St. Mary - Fredericksburg
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St. Mary Church in Fredericksburg, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, began with a handful of German immigrants in 1846 and is a continually growing spiritual family. The twin towers of the two churches, the Marienkirche (1861) and the new St. Mary (1908), have long been beacons of faith, hope, and love throughout the Hill Country. The community has also been blessed with St. Mary School which has educated and formed our children since 1856.
Visit after the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Mass every Sunday for a short guided tour. Tours are also available by appointment.
Plan your visit to St. Mary – Fredericksburg and learn more about the Jubilee Year of Hope.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper | | Advocacy Day is organized by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) for Catholics from across Texas to gather at the state Capitol in Austin to advocate for legislation aligned with Catholic moral and social teachings by meeting with lawmakers and sharing their views on key issues, essentially acting as a collective voice to influence policy decisions. This year April 1 was dedicated to actively promoting Catholic causes at the legislative level. | | Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper | | |
Archbishop Gustavo held his Jubilee 2025 Pastoral Visit to San Fernando Cathedral on April 6 by celebrating Mass with catechumens for the upcoming Easter Vigil and greeting a sanctuary full of Final Four visitors.
Visit the website for a list of additional Jubilee Pastoral Visits.
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Today's Catholic Newspaper: April 11
| | GOOD NEWS! For just $18, subscribers receive 22 issues of Today's Catholic Newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox. | |
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.
| | | | | Don't miss out on the latest news and updates! Visit our Linktree profile now to subscribe to Today's Catholic Newspaper, sign up for The New Messenger, and explore archsa.org. Join our community and stay informed. | | | Copyright © 2025 Archdiocese of San Antonio. All rights reserved. | | | | |
