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 | | Pope Leo XIV declares Saint John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church | | |
Pope Leo XIV has declared St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church, recognizing the English cardinal and theologian — one of the most influential converts from Anglicanism — as a towering figure of faith and intellect in modern Catholicism.
The declaration took place at the beginning of Mass for the solemnity of All Saints on Nov. 1, celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica as part of the Jubilee of Education. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, read Newman’s biography and formally requested that the pope proclaim the saint a doctor of the Church.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | Because of sin, human life came to bear the weight of exhaustion and sorrow. Naturally, we wish to delay death as long as possible. Yet to live endlessly, without purpose or end, would become unbearable. God, in His mercy, permitted death so that life might be reborn. Through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus, death became the passage to new life. That new life in heaven is eternal communion with God and with others, where no one is alone and all joy is shared without limits. Our loved ones are not lost; they are held in the embrace of the Good Shepherd, who walks with us through every valley of darkness. We are one Church — those on earth, those being purified, and those in glory. In the Eucharist we are united in love and hope, praying that our faithful departed may see God face to face. Let us not fear death, but prepare for it with mercy, compassion, and faith. Let us honor our dead not only with flowers, but by following the path of love, which the Lord Jesus modelled for us. May Our Lady of Guadalupe, our Mother of life and tenderness, lead our departed into the arms of her Son and accompany us until we meet again in the Kingdom where love knows no limit.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | The San Antonio Missions are still open during the federal government shutdown | | 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. | |
Faith and Medicine: Understanding the Church’s Teaching on Birth Control, IVF, and Human Flourishing
Wednesday, November 12 at 6 p.m. at St. Matthew Church
| | The Catholic Medical Association of San Antonio invites healthcare professionals and the community to a special evening at St. Matthew Church (directions) with Dr. Cara Buskmiller, fetal surgeon, and maternal-fetal medicine specialist from Austin. Her talk, “Pelvic Issues: Birth Control, IVF, & Sterilization,” will explore how the Church’s teaching on women’s health promotes authentic human flourishing. The evening begins with Mass at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the MacDonald Family Center, and the keynote at 7 p.m. For details, email Dr. Ann Thyssen Daniel. | |
Mental Health Retreat: Last Chance to Register!
Saturday, November 15, from 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Church of the Holy Spirit
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“Hope does not disappoint.” — Romans 5:5
Don’t miss this free Mental Health Retreat: “To Hope Is to Connect” on November 15 at the Church of the Holy Spirit (directions) — day of peace, learning, and connection — featuring Deacon Ed Shoener, expert breakout presenters, and a Saturday Vigil Mass. Let Christ refresh your heart.
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The Cost of Faith: Reflecting on the Cristero Martyrs at Brunch with the Bishop
Saturday, November 22 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
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Deepen your Catholic roots and be inspired by heroic witness. Following Mass and a presentation by Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda, young adults will engage in small group discussions centered on the incredible story of the Cristero Martyrs of Mexico. From 1926 to 1929, the Cristero War saw Catholic priests and laypeople martyred for defying a fiercely anti-Catholic government that banned Mass and all public religious life. The martyrs, a majority of whom were priests, died proclaiming, "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" ("Long Live Christ the King!").
Their unwavering fidelity in the face of torture and death offers a powerful, tangible example of the courage spoken of in our theme, Matthew 5:10. By studying their lives, we learn what it means to truly sacrifice for the sake of righteousness. We encourage all young adults seeking to live their faith without compromise to attend this moving and insightful morning.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower recently hosted the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known worldwide as “The Little Flower.” This sacred visit took place October 31 to November 4 and saw an estimated 100,000 pilgrims and visitors from across Texas and beyond. The relics’ last visit to San Antonio was in 1999 — making this a truly historic moment of faith and unity for the city. The reliquary was welcomed with a special procession and opening Mass with Archbishop Gustavo the evening of October 31. | | Photo: Veronica Markland, Today's Catholic Newspaper | | A Community Camino: Día de los Muertos Walk of Remembrance — a free, guided walk along the El Camino de San Antonio Missions trail – was held on November 1. Día de los Muertos is a sacred time of remembrance — a moment to celebrate the lives of loved ones and ancestors whose spirits continue to guide us. Pilgrims walked together from Mission Espada to Mission Concepción, stopping at Mission San Juan and Mission San José along the way, to honor their memory through reflection, community, and prayer. Participants were welcome to upload a photo to a digital altar or bring one to include in the ofrenda at the Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
| | This special keepsake magazine for Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda represents the Today’s Catholic issue for November 7 edition. The newspaper will return to its normal format including regular features with the November 21 edition. | | GOOD NEWS! For just $20, subscribers receive 21 issues of Today's Catholic Newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox. | |
2025 Catholic Directory
Five Dollar Fall Sale
Limited Quantity
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Five Dollar Fall Directory Sale $5 each!
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.
Limited quantity available. To purchase, email Mandy Franco, call (210) 734-1610, or click here.
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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.
| | | | | Don't miss out on the latest news and updates! Visit our Linktree profile now to subscribe to Today's Catholic Newspaper, sign up for The New Messenger, and explore archsa.org. Join our community and stay informed. | | | Copyright © 2025 Archdiocese of San Antonio. All rights reserved. | | | | |
