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 Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting for on October 7, the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

“In this dramatic hour of our history,” the pope said, “while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations,” the Christian community is reminded of its call to “put itself at the service of humanity.”

The pope was speaking after Mass in St Peter’s Square for the opening of the second session of the General Assembly of the Synod.

He invited all the synod members to accompany him on a visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on October 6, the day before the anniversary, where, he said, he will “address a heartfelt petition to the Virgin” for peace.

“Let us walk together,” the pope urged in a Vatican News report. “Let us listen to the Lord. And let us be led by the breeze of the Spirit.”

Days of fasting and prayer for warzones have been a constant throughout the pontificate of Pope Francis. Not six months after his election, on September 7, 2013, the pope gathered thousands of people in St. Peter's Square to pray for peace in Syria.



In 2021, he called for prayer and fasting in Afghanistan, and the next year, in a moving ceremony in St Peter’s, he consecrated Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

On October 4, Catholics celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Italian deacon who brought renewal to the Church through his decision to follow Jesus' words as literally as possible.

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Henry Cisneros

Deborah Knapp

As part of a series of video vignettes this Fall chronicling the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of San Antonio, CTSA recently interviewed former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros and current KENS-5 News anchor Deborah Knapp.

Video: Christopher Palmer | Catholic Television of San Antonio

As we approach the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of San Antonio and its central celebration Assembly 2024: Walking United in Christ let us contemplate “the strong foundations left by all who have preceded us” by reading about our history.

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

October is Respect Life Month. This year’s Respect Life theme from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops focuses on the connection between the Eucharist and respect for human life, highlighting Jesus’ message to our culture and to each of us: “I came so that they might have life” (John 10:10). In honor of Respect Life Month, we are hosting two special Respect Life Masses. On Sunday, October 6, at 9:30 a.m., Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette will celebrate an English Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in New Braunfels (directions). On Sunday, October 13, at 1 p.m., Archbishop Gustavo will celebrate a Spanish Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in San Antonio (directions). Join us to celebrate Christ’s message of life.

We welcome the presence of all who serve in the healthcare field and care for the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health of our community including doctors, nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, physical therapists, mental health professionals, chiropractors, dietitians, administrative staff, chaplains, and volunteers who provide spiritual care and the Eucharist to the sick. Mass will include a Blessing of the Hands and Renewal of the Hippocratic Oath. Healthcare professionals are invited to wear their white coats as traditional representation of the medical field.

Join us for the celebration of Holy Mass with the Deaf Ministry of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. We gather in a special way with Archbishop Gustavo, Deaf Catholics, their loved ones, and the greater community for this Deaf Awareness Mass as we recognize our differences and walk in unity. Light reception to follow with Archbishop and the local Deaf Community. Additional parking is available on East Mistletoe and Kings Court. For more information, contact Angela Mauer, director of Deaf Ministry, at angela.mauer@archsa.org or (210) 734-0754 or video phone at (210) 305-5689. 

Join us for the Assembly on Saturday, October 26, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of San Antonio in 1874. We will gather at St. Mary’s University (directions) to celebrate this extraordinary and momentous occasion in the life of the local Church. Be a part of this historic moment in the archdiocese. Celebrate a historic Mass with Apostolic Nuncio to the United States Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the pope’s representative; and the visiting bishops of Texas. Honor our history and envision our tomorrow through dynamic presentations illuminating the archdiocese. Explore an exhibition of treasured artifacts from the archdiocesan archives. Enjoy free food and fellowship.

Fifth grade students working on their science experiment using their creativity and common household or classroom materials to design a functioning carrying receptacle.

The excitement is building in the kindergarten class as they read "Pumpkin Day!", students are preparing for a fun fall season by coloring their very own pumpkin-themed bookmarks.

Photo: Xavier Ramirez | Catholic Television of San Antonio

The San Antonio Spurs held their annual Media Day Extravaganza at the Victory Capital Performance Center on September 30 and CTSA was there.

Photo: Veronica Markland | Today's Catholic Newspaper

Runner and walkers laced up their sneakers for a cause that touches hearts at the sixth annual Veronica’s Journey 5K on September 28 at Shavano Park. The 5K event supports the legacy of Veronica Nicole Finnie through a Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio endowment, helping to outfit those in need at Veronica’s Boutique at the Guadalupe Community Center. But that’s not all — participation also meant backing Gabriella’s Smile Foundation, a bastion of hope for children fighting cancer. A Mass prior to start time in the park pavilion was celebrated by Msgr. Kevin Ryan, former pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist Church.

In this issue:

• Red Mass - New judicial year begins with liturgy for legal, academic communities.
• World Mission Sunday - Mission as a tireless going out to invite others to the Lord's banquet.
• Missionaries of the Holy Spirit - Gala and concert raise funds for those in religious formation for order.

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

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