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.

In his first major document, Pope Leo XIV says Scripture and tradition clearly show that “God has a special place in his heart” for the poor and oppressed, and he asks his church “to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest.”

Many Christians “need to go back and re-read the Gospel” because they have forgotten that faith and love for the poor go hand in hand, Pope Leo XIV said in his first major papal document.

“Love for the poor — whatever the form their poverty may take — is the evangelical hallmark of a Church faithful to the heart of God,” the pope wrote in “Dilexi Te” (“I Have Loved You”)), an apostolic exhortation “to all Christians on love for the poor.”

Visitors still have access to the centuries-old churches on the grounds of Missions Concepción, Espada, San José, and San Juan. The churches are operated by the archdiocese and all continue to hold Masses. The missions, all located near the San Antonio River from downtown and through the South Side, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attract more than one million visitors each year. The San Antonio Missions can be visited daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Catholic education is more than academics —it’s a community where faith and excellence come together. Families like yours have sacrificed to keep children in Catholic schools, and programs like Hope for the Future have been a bridge of support.  

Now, with Texas’s new Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) beginning in 2026, even more help is on the way. Whether you’re a current family or welcoming a new one, this support will make Catholic education possible for thousands more children. Learn about our Catholic Schools and sign up here to get ESA updates. 

Today through October 18, the Church across the United States will unite in the Novena for Mental Health — a time to lift up all who are affected by mental health challenges. We begin on World Mental Health Day (October 10), joining the global effort to bring awareness, compassion, and hope to those who struggle. The Novena concludes on October 18, the Feast of St. Luke, patron of health care, reminding us of Christ’s healing love for every person.  

Each day invites us to pray, learn, and act — offering encouragement to those who suffer, gratitude for caregivers and health professionals, and a renewed call to be instruments of God’s mercy. The USCCB has designed prayer cards inspired by its Novena for Mental Health. Each novena prayer card offers a saint, and a prayer related to different areas of mental health. Together, let’s pray for healing, understanding, and hope.  

All are invited to this lecture at the Pope Francis Center at El Camino de San Antonio Missions (263 Felisa in San Antonio - directions) by Rodrigo Iván Cortés discussing what the Catholic persecuted martyrs can teach us to help us give our testimony. Holy Hour and veneration of first-class relics from Blessed Anacleto González Flores, Blessed Miguel Gómez Loza, and St. Pedro Esqueda to follow. Participants will receive a third-class relic. For additional information, contact Father Rafael Becerra by email or call (210) 341-1395. Learn more and read about the martyrs online.

Jesus reminds us: “I was ill and you cared for me” (Mt 25:36). This sacred call is at the heart of the upcoming Healthcare Professionals Day of Reflection and Mass, open to all who bring healing and comfort—doctors, nurses, chaplains, therapists, caregivers, and volunteers who carry the Eucharist to the sick. Download a flyer and share with those you know serving in healthcare. Join us at Holy Trinity Church (directions) for prayer, reflection, and fellowship. Together, we will strengthen our vocation as disciples who heal in Christ’s name.  

Each October, the Church invites us to rediscover our missionary vocation. This year, Pope Leo XIV, following the inspiration of Pope Francis, calls us to become “Missionaries of Hope Among the Peoples,” inspired by St. Paul’s words: “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5). Through prayer, sacrifice, and giving, we too become witnesses — bringing the hope of Christ to those who long for love, justice, and peace.

Let us begin this month with open hearts, ready to respond to the Church’s call to support the 1,124 mission territories where the Church is young, growing, and often persecuted. Pray now about your offering and join this act of faith at Mass during the weekend of October 18 and 19. Together, may we be bearers of hope where it is needed most.

Photo: Provided

CTSA premiered a heartfelt tribute to retired Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette on October 3, celebrating 50 years of faithful priestly service and honoring a life dedicated to God and his people.

Photo: Veronica Markland, Today's Catholic Newspaper

Retired Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette celebrated a Matachine Mass at the Cordi-Marian Villa Convent and Chapel on October 4, with faith and dance joining in harmony, presenting stirring tradition and color.

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