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 Holy See | Pope Leo XIV | | Leo XIV reminds women religious that being rooted in Christ makes unimaginable possible | | |
During an audience on June 30 of religious sisters belonging to several orders, Pope Leo XIV told the group that Christ allows them to “do things they perhaps never thought they could achieve.”
The Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great, the Daughters of Divine Charity, the Augustinian Sisters of the Shelter, and the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts came to the Vatican on June 30 for their general chapters and the Jubilee of Hope.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | The Feast of the Transfiguration takes us on a journey from the turmoil of exile to the height of divine glory. On the mountaintop, Peter, James, and John witnessed the radiance in Jesus but no longer in dreams and symbols; “his face changed” and “his clothing became dazzling white.” As they bowed in awe, the Father’s voice resounded: “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.” Yet the splendor of Tabor cannot be separated from the path to Jerusalem. The Son of Man who shone in glory would also accomplish his exodus in Jerusalem, embracing cross and tomb. Hope sustains us when weariness clouds our vision and impels us to persevere in service and prayer. Together, we are called to descend from our mountain moments and bring the light of Jesus into the valleys. Let us listen for the Father’s voice – “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him” – and allow the Holy Spirit to shape our plans with wisdom and mercy. The same white garments that clothed Jesus at his Transfiguration remind us of our baptismal call to clothe ourselves in compassion, humility, and charity. May this feast rekindle in us the fire of hope and strengthen our unity in mission. As we anticipate his final coming, let us live in joyful expectation, bearing witness to the Kingdom that endures.
| | | | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | |
How to Celebrate Respect Life Month (October) in Your Parish
Thursday, August 28, 7 p.m
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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is hosting an online workshop to help parish leaders celebrate Respect Life Month in October. Get easy ideas and ready-to-use digital resources during this introductory-level, one-hour webinar.
USCCB staff will walk through this year's new materials, as well as the perennial Respect Life Month action guide. This webinar is perfect for parish staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers, but anyone is welcome to join. Although developed with parishes in mind, the materials are adaptable to a variety of settings, such as Catholic schools, youth ministry, and more.
| | Go "Back to the Roots" of Our Faith with Father Krikor | | |
Discover the beauty and depth of the Catholic faith with Back to the Roots, a free, powerful, and accessible video series hosted by Father Krikor Chahin, JCD — professor, author, homilist, and judicial vicar for the archdiocese. With each episode just under 15 minutes, Father Krikor takes viewers on a rich journey through the essential teachings of the Church, exploring their foundations in Scripture and Tradition. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic, a recent convert, or just curious about the faith, these short, compelling videos offer a fresh opportunity to deepen your relationship with Christ.
The video series follows the structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, making it a perfect companion to your faith journey. Best of all, every episode is available in both English and Spanish. Watch on CTSA YouTube, online, or on the CTSA app on Google Play or the App Store.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | A “Sending Forth” Mass was celebrated at San Fernando Cathedral on August 3 to pray for the young men that will begin their journey as seminarians for the Archdiocese of San Antonio this fall semester. This liturgy — with Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS; archdiocesan Vocation Director Father Ed Gonzales; as well as pastors from the seminarians’ home parishes — was an opportunity for the people of the archdiocese to express their support and commitment to accompany these new seminarians as they discern their vocation. Incoming seminarians are Christian Casanova, Matheui Juarez, Pablo Tapia, Erik Ibarra, George Gaiser, Jesus Rios. The service was broadcast live by Catholic Television of San Antonio, CTSA 15, and Daughters of the Holy Spirit, who minister in vocation formation, assisted at the liturgy. | | SA Life Academy helped out at St. Stephen’s CARE Center on July 29 by bagging produce and restocking the shelves. The food pantry was full of smiles and jokes as volunteers brought their positive attitudes and lighthearted spirits. Weekday volunteers who want to help the community are being sought. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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In the wake of the July 4 flood disaster in the Texas Hill Country, a group of 19 college students and young adults from the archdiocese led by Father Brian Garcia, director of Campus Ministry, traveled to Hunt to offer hands-on help and heartfelt presence to a flood-stricken homeowner.
The team cleared debris, washed mud-caked patios, cut fallen trees, and aired out a water-damaged motor home. But more than that, they brought comfort, prayer, and the healing presence of the Church. “This is what it means to be the Church,” Father Brian said. “Not just praying for people but walking with them through the muck — quite literally. Our faith calls us to action.”
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Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% Off!
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The directory includes information and Mass schedules for parishes in the archdiocese; updated clergy assignments and a listing of religious orders and organizations; sections dedicated to archdiocesan, educational and health services; and information about archdiocesan priests, deacons, brothers, women religious.
To purchase, click here or contact Mandy Franco at (210) 734-1610 or email mandy.franco@archsa.org.
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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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