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 Catholic Church remembers St. Damien of Molokai on May 10. The Belgian priest sacrificed his life and health to become a spiritual father to the victims of leprosy quarantined on a Hawaiian island.

Pope Francis greets the crowd gathered at St. Peter's Square on May 5, 2024. (photo: Vatican Media)

Speaking to the crowd gathered below in St. Peter’s Square on a sunny Sunday in Rome, the Pope remarked that Jesus desires to share in this great gift of friendship with us.

Archbishop Gustavo invites all persons with disabilities and their families, caregivers, and loved ones to join him for this special Mass. Come as you are to participate in and experience this sensory-friendly Mass. This liturgy will include softer music, daily Mass readings and a shorter homily in a stigma-free environment. Please bring whatever is needed to be comfortably present at Mass.  Hosted at St. Helena Catholic Church (14714 Edgemont St., SA, TX 78247). RSVP is appreciated.

Archbishop Gustavo invites you to celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost at the Church of the Holy Spirit (8134 Blanco Rd., SA, TX 78216) on Saturday, May 18, at 5 p.m. Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles — a feast often referred to as the birthday of the Church. In preparation of this celebration, we invite you to pray the Pentecost Novena from May 10–18. The Pentecost Novena comes from Chapter 1 of the Book of Acts where Mary and the Apostles pray continuously for nine consecutive days after Christ’s ascension into heaven. On the tenth day, the Holy Spirit descended upon them.

Are you seeking to learn Spanish or English in a small class setting with individualized attention? MACC offers an excellent Intensive Pastoral Spanish program for persons who need to develop their language skills to minister to those in need of pastoral care, liturgical celebrations, preaching, and other facets of pastoral ministry. For more information, download the flyer or contact Adriana Garcia at agarcia@maccsa.org.

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.

SELLING FAST! The directory includes: Parish information and Mass schedules; updated clergy assignments and a listing of religious orders and organizations; sections dedicated to archdiocesan, educational and health services; and information about priests, deacons, brothers and women religious. Pick up your order at the Pastoral Ministry Center or have it shipped to you. Click here to order yours today. Need more information visit our website or contact Mandy Franco at mandy.franco@archsa.org or 210-734-1610.

AnnaNikitina84 | Shutterstock

Olive trees were cultivated around monasteries and churches, and monks often had the time to turn dull, unproductive lands into olive-producing fields.

fot. Muzeum Archidiecezjalne w Poznaniu

Few people know it, but the Archdiocesan Museum in Poznan has in its collection the sword with which, according to tradition, St. Peter cut off Malchus’ ear.

Veronica Markland for Catholic Television of San Antonio

The Saint John XXIII Foundation held its 2024 Patrons Reception at the Valencia Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio on May 2. The gathering was preceded by a Mass at St. Mary’s Church celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese of Military Services and con celebrated by priests of the Military Archdiocese. 

Veronica Markland | Today's Catholic Newspaper

The 32nd Annual Catholic School Leadership Awards were held May 3 at the St. George Maronite Church Phoenician Ballroom. The event featured presentations for school anniversaries, Outstanding Parent Teacher Club in Catholic Education, Educators of the Year, Archdiocesan Educators of the Year, and Outstanding Leaders in Catholic Education.  

Issue Highlights:

• Senior Fiesta: Catholic Charities event a day of live entertainment, lifestyle exhibitions, games and fun activities
• Pentecost Vigil: Mass at the Church of the Holy Spirit on May 28 to commemorate 150th anniversary of archdiocese.
• Deacon Jubilarians: Thanking God for the graces of their ministry through years of service.
• 'I am the Bread of Life': Feast of Corpus Christi procession and Mass June 1 an archdiocesan-wide Eucharistic celebration

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

Copyright © 2024 Archdiocese of San Antonio. All rights reserved.