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.

Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday, opening the final leg of his trip to Africa after a flight of about two-and-a-half hours from Luanda, Angola.

Speaking in Italian to reporters aboard the papal flight, Leo marked the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death with an extended remembrance of his predecessor, highlighting his witness, his closeness to the poor and suffering, and his appeals to mercy and fraternity.

Are you, or someone you know, a young man between the ages of 16 and 35 who is open to discovering God’s plan for your life? Have you ever felt a stirring in your heart towards the priesthood? SA Vocations invite you to join the Melchizedek Project, a monthly discernment group for those considering the priesthood at Assumption Seminary (directions). Grow in your faith, and receive guidance on discerning God’s call. Explore this sacred vocation alongside other young men who are also discerning. For more information, visit the website, email the Vocation Office, or call (210) 735-0553.

The Archives and Records Management Office will be offering a Sacramental Records Training Workshop 101 on Zoom. This training is open to anyone that works with sacramental records including, secretaries, record keepers, directors of Religious Education, deacons, and priests. The class will include a comprehensive overview of the the Sacramental Records Policy and Procedures guide, so download it prior to class. If you have any questions, email the Archives and Records Management Office.

We are hosting the Mother’s Community Resource Fair and are asking for help to reach the families who need it most. The journey of motherhood is a profound vocation, but it can also bring unexpected challenges, financial strain, or the heavy cross of loss. At St. Paul Community Center (directions), we are providing a safe, welcoming space for expecting parents, families in need of assistance, and those navigating postpartum challenges or the loss of a child.

Attendees will connect with local groups offering free ultrasounds, baby supplies, job training, options counseling, and post-abortion support. It will be a day of joy and dignity, complete with free goodie bags and a raffle for a car seat and stroller. Because this event serves a specific, often vulnerable group, word-of-mouth is our most powerful tool. If you know a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker who could benefit from tangible support and a listening ear, please forward this email or share the link below that has more information. Help us ensure that no one walks this path alone.

The word Pentecost comes from the Greek Pentecoste, meaning fiftieth. Fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the Apostles gathered in prayer, completing the Easter mystery and giving birth to the mission of the Church. Scripture tells us the Spirit arrived with the sound of a rushing wind and appeared as tongues of fire, transforming a room full of frightened disciples into bold witnesses of the Gospel. That same Spirit is still at work today in every parish, every family, and every heart he makes his home.

A special word of gratitude to the catechists, faith formation leaders, godparents, sponsors, and families who walked alongside our newest Catholics on their journey to the sacraments this year. Your prayers, presence, and faithful witness are a gift to the whole Church. And to all who were received this past Easter through baptism, confirmation, for a Profession of Faith: Archbishop Gustavo wishes to celebrate the Eucharist with you at the archdiocesan Vigil Mass of Pentecost on Saturday, May 23, at 5 p.m. at Church of the Holy Spirit (direction). Bring your godparents, sponsors, family, and friends. All are welcome as we continue to be missionary disciples Courageous in Christ.

Recognizing the profound connection between our faith, our neighbors, and the natural world. 

Everything is connected. As we celebrated Earth Day this past Wednesday, April 22, and continue the archdiocesan journey of ecological conversion, Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si' that our relationship with God is intimately tied to our relationship with our neighbors and the natural world. This is what the Church calls "integral ecology." The ecological crisis is not merely an environmental issue; it is a profound moral and spiritual challenge that requires a change of heart. As a family of faith, we are called to be stewards of the beautiful gift of creation, moving away from a "throwaway culture" and embracing a life of care. This week, we invite you to take the first step in this journey of faith. By taking the Laudato Si' Action Pledge, you join thousands of local Catholics committing to pray, learn, and act for our common home.

Every act of service in the archdiocese, every prayer lifted in parishes, every work of mercy carried out in the name of Christ, begins and returns to one place. The Second Vatican Council named it plainly. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the whole Christian life (Lumen Gentium 11). The Catechism echoes the same teaching. When we gather at the altar, we are not simply remembering something that happened long ago. We are joined to a living reality, the self-giving love of Christ poured out for the life of the world. This is why the Church exists and why we gather in communion as brothers and sisters united as the living Body of Christ. Everything else, rightly understood, flows from here.

Save the date for the archdiocesan Feast of Corpus Christi, Saturday, June 6, with the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass at San Fernando Cathedral followed by a Eucharistic Procession through downtown San Antonio. 

Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper

With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God the archdiocese celebrates the ordination of new clergy — Father Deacon Luis Alonzo De La Cruz, Father Luis Horacio Gomez Bustamante, and Father Jose Edgar Hernandez Suarez — to the sacred order of presbyter through the imposition of hands at the invocation of the Holy Spirit by Archbishop Gustavo at St. Mark the Evangelist Church on April 18.

Photo: Provided

St. James the Apostle School students and parishioners took part in the popular tradition of the celebratory signing of structural walls for the new school building on April 17 and 19, leaving a lasting legacy on the construction project. Permanent markers were used to write names, inspirational messages, or spirit phrases before the walls are painted.

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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