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.

On Dec. 6, the faithful commemorate a bishop in the early church who was known for generosity and love of children. Born in Lycia in Asia Minor around the late third or fourth century, St. Nicholas of Myra is more than just the inspiration for the modern day Santa.

Pope Francis receives the first all-electric popemobile from automaker Mercedes-Benz. Pool photo/Aigav

Pope Francis has received the first-ever all-electric popemobile from automaker Mercedes-Benz. The open-top vehicle, which for the last 45 years has been manufactured by the German luxury automaker, is used by Pope Francis to greet pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during general audiences and other papal ceremonies. The company's CEO Ola Kallenius personally handed over the new model to the pope on Wednesday at the Vatican. 

GOOD NEWS! For just $18, subscribers receive 22 issues of Today’s Catholic newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox.

The Pastoral Ministry Center will be closed Monday, December 9 for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Vocation Office and Department of Communications want to know if you are running in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon to share in the joy of your commitment and physical fitness and pray for your strength, perseverance, and success!

Get your commemorative T-shirt just in time for Christmas! The design highlights two extraordinary years in the life of the local Church: 1874, the year that the Diocese of San Antonio was established; and 1926, the year that the Diocese of San Antonio was elevated to an archdiocese. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the diocese in 2024 and the 100th anniversary of the archdiocese in 2026, this T-shirt is a beautiful keepsake for years to come. Contained within the anniversary years are the names of all the parishes in the archdiocese, serving as a tribute to the many communities who have helped the local Church grow and continue to serve as missionary disciples today. Prepare the way for the upcoming 100th anniversary celebration: Purchase a T-shirt today!

Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever: wrapped in the cloak of justice from God, bear on your head the mitre that displays the glory of the eternal name. For God will show all the earth your splendor: you will be named by God forever the peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship.

Beyond Cana Marriage Enrichment | January 25, 2025

Join us for a special brunch with other married couples at St. Francis of Assisi to experience a little enrichment in your marriage with keynote speaker Dana Nygaard, author of the book 365 Dates to Renew your Christian Marriage – Catholic Edition.

Catholic Men's Conference | February 22, 2025

“Donations are needed to have the ordinary kinds of things many senior religious need in terms of food, clothing, and housing. We owe it to them to take care of them. Maybe even more than we have in the past… they need it,” says Father Maury Smith, 87, a member of the Order of Friars Minor in St. Louis.

Father Maury Smith serves as a spiritual director and writes biweekly for Today's Catholic Newspaper. His legacy inspires others to embark on their journey towards God, and Father Maury is a spiritual companion to them, growing in faith, hope, and love in their daily lives together.

Photo: Veronica Markland | For CTSA Television

In remembering the extraordinary mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe, she asks us to share her message of hope, compassion, and love, especially in this season of Advent, Archbishop Gustavo told the faithful at the annual archdiocesan Mass with the Federation of Guadalupanas, held December 1 at St. Mark the Evangelist Church.   

Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper

The 33rd Annual San Fernando Cathedral Thanksgiving Interfaith Service hosted by Archbishop Gustavo was held November 26 with a theme of, “A Call to Pray for Unity and Peace.” The archbishop prayed the invocation and benediction for the gathering as Father Carlos B. Velázquez, cathedral rector, welcomed attendees and San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg gave opening remarks. Among those praying for unity and peace at the event were Erwin De Luna of the San Antonio Pow Wow, Natalia Jaimes of Baha’i San Antonio, Rev. Michael Passmore of Central Christian Church, Rev. Sylvia Vasquez of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rolanda Guerra, Haven for Hope chaplain, Mehmet Oguz of the Turkish Raindrip House, Rev. Wyndee Holbrook of the Interfaith San Antonio Alliance, and Rev. Kevin Roche of Rissho Kosei Kai Buddhist Center.  

Come to the quiet in the peaceful surroundings at St. Peter Upon the Water: A Center for Spiritual Direction and Formation. For those wanted to listen for God's voice, St. Peter Upon the Water, a trust of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, is a place of quiet contemplation located on over 170 acres in the Texas Hill Country.

Treasures of the Archdiocese of San Antonio: A Commemorative Book

Give a gift of faith this Christmas! 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

Archdiocese of San Antonio

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