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 Pastoral Ministry Center will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Masses in the Archdiocese of San Antonio
- Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS - Monday, May 25 at San Fernando Cemetery II, 10 a.m.
- Auxiliary Bishop Jose Arturo Cepeda - Monday, May 25 at San Fernando Cemetery III, 10 a.m.
- Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak - Monday, May 25 at Holy Cross Cemetery, 10 a.m.
| | The Holy See | Pope Leo XIV | | Vatican to publish Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical May 25 | | Credit: Vatican Media. Image composition: EWTN News | | The Vatican announced Monday that Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical will be published on May 25 with the title Magnifica Humanitas. Pope Leo will speak at a presentation for the release of the social encyclical — a papal letter to the Church — at 11:30 a.m. Rome time on May 25 in the Vaticanʼs Synod Hall. | | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | The disciples cannot carry out Christ’s mission alone. Neither can we. The Spirit is not a supplement to the Christian life. The Spirit is the life itself — the breath of God moving within us, the oil of anointing, the fire that transforms what it touches. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us: “Being a Christian is not primarily about practices or ideas; it is a life in union with Christ.” That union is the Holy Spirit’s gift — given in baptism, renewed at the altar, kindled fresh every time we say yes to love. Without the Spirit, the Great Commission — “Go, make disciples of all nations” — remains words on a page. With the Holy Spirit, it becomes the story of your life. And that story is already being written. The Eucharist we celebrate makes present the whole Paschal Mystery — death, resurrection, ascension – and draws us into it. At the table, heaven and earth touch. Jesus does not ascend away from us; He ascends into the very bread and cup we share. You are witnesses of a love that holds all things. And you do not walk this path alone. Our Lady of Guadalupe, who came to the poor, to the marginalized — she walks with you. Her mantle covers you.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | |
Tomorrow, We Gather: The Solemnity of Pentecost is Here
Pentecost Vigil Mass on Saturday, May 23, at 5 p.m., at Church of the Holy Spirit
| | Tomorrow, the Easter season reaches its fulfillment. Fifty days after the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the Apostles, and the Church was born. This is not a feast to observe from a distance; it is an encounter to enter into. The same Spirit who filled that upper room is the Spirit ready to kindle fresh fire in hearts, families, and the local Church. As we cross the threshold of 100 years as an archdiocese, the Holy Spirit who has guided us across a century of faith stands ready to lead us forward together. Join Archbishop Gustavo, himself a Missionary of the Holy Spirit, for the archdiocesan Vigil Mass of Pentecost tomorrow at Church of the Holy Spirit (directions), where this Novena will reach its fulfillment. | | |
A Morning Shaped by Mercy, Healing, and Community
Saturday, May 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Jude Church
| | Healing rarely happens in isolation. It happens when people who understand find each other, when prayer steadies what worry has shaken, and when practical resources finally come within reach. At St. Jude Church (directions), keynote speaker Abigail Moore, chief executive officer of the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness, will speak to the deep connections between addiction, incarceration, and the wellbeing of families. Representatives from the Bexar Specialty Court will be on hand with information that can change a family's path forward. The morning is anchored in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, group sharing, and contemplative prayer. Hospitality begins with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. | | |
Diaconate Ordination
May 23 at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church
| | With praise and thanks giving to Almighty God, the archdiocese joyfully announces and invites you to attend the diaconate ordination of Moses Castro, Erick Gerardo Cruz, and Arturo Naranjo through the imposition of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit by Archbishop Gustavo. Join us in person at St. Rose of Lima Church (directions) or watch the livestream on Facebook or on YouTube. | | |
Many Members, One Body of Christ: A Mass for Persons with Disabilities
Saturday, May 30, at 5 p.m., at St. Luke Church
| | Saint Paul reminds the Church that "there are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord" (1 Corinthians 12:4-5, NABRE). The Body of Christ is not whole when one member is missing. That is why, one week from tomorrow, the archdiocese will gather for a Mass made for every body and every soul. The annual Mass for Persons with Disabilities takes place at St. Luke's Catholic Church (directions). Archbishop Gustavo will preside at this sensory-friendly liturgy designed with people with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers in mind. If you know someone who has wondered whether church is "for them," this is your invitation to bring them home. | | |
Volleyball, Dodgeball, & Clerics: Priests vs. Seminarians
Tuesday, May 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at St. Luke Church
| | Join the San Antonio Vocation Office for this year’s Volleyball, Dodgeball & Clerics event. Cheer on parish priests or root for San Antonio seminarians. Experience the joy of the priesthood — completely free —at St. Luke Church (directions). Mass begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by games and fun. | | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | SA News speaks with Sesame Street icon Sonia Manzano to discuss her remarkable career and the new documentary, "Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon.” From inspiring generations as Maria to sharing powerful life lessons, don’t miss this special conversation. | | San Fernando Cathedral and Catholic Charities of the archdiocese hosted a Health and Wellness Fair in Main Plaza May 16.They were grateful to CHRISTUS Children's, Community First Health Plans, and Food Related for their support in helping make the event possible. They also thank additional sponsors and vendors for providing resources, support, and care for the community. Events like these reflect the power of collaboration and the impact we can make when we come together in the service of others. Want to learn about the programs and services, visit the website. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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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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