Friday, April 10, 2026

Welcome to The New Messe nger, 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

Join Pope Leo XIV's Vigil for Peace

Saturday, April 11

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Under the dark cloud of escalating threats in military conflict, Pope Leo XIV calls all the faithful to unite in prayer. In his Easter Urbi et Orbi message, our Holy Father reminded us that the peace Christ gives us is not merely the silencing of weapons, but one that "touches and transforms the heart of each of us."

In response, Archbishop Gustavo asks all the People God in the archdiocese to join Pope Leo XIV's Prayer Vigil for Peace on Saturday, April 11. The resources for a Prayer Vigil for Peace include materials that pastors may use in parishes; pastoral leaders may use in faith formation sessions and ministry meetings, and the faithful may us for private prayer at home.

This Saturday, united with our Holy Father, we must make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). Whatever form your prayer takes alongside Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Gustavo asks you to offer yourselves, your communities, and our world to the Prince of Peace, trusting him to establish his peace upon the Earth, for the Kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Roman 14:17).

Liturgical Resources for a Prayer Vigil for Peace

Message from Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS

Dear sisters and brothers, alleluia! The stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. The very stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. True peace is never the silence of fear. True peace, as Pope Leo XIV reminds us, is “the work of purified hearts, of those who see others as brothers and sisters to be protected, not enemies to be defeated.” Power transformed into service. Wealth into solidarity. Fear into trust. This is what the empty tomb declares over every war, every injustice. Mercy is stronger, and mercy wins. Everyone who believes receives forgiveness through His name. The Resurrection demolished every wall. Not by our own effort, but because our Paschal Lamb has been sacrificed, and his life is now ours. We have 50 days of Easter light. Do we truly believe that Jesus is alive? The question is whether we want to find Him. Do we truly feel our need for Him? Do we long to be restored? A true encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus changes everything: affection becomes service, service becomes discipleship, restlessness becomes rest. As St. Augustine learned, our heart finds no peace until it rests in the Risen Jesus. Seek Him in the face of your neighbor, in the breaking of the Bread, in the least of your brothers and sisters. He is risen. Go and tell. Alleluia!

Send a Prayer Intention

Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio

FIAT: Bishops invite Young Adults to a day of Service and Reflection

Saturday, April 11, at the Pastoral Ministry Center

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Are you ready to step out of your routine and become the hands and feet of Christ? Young adults from across the archdiocese are coming together for FIAT 2026 — a powerful day dedicated to the joy of serving others. This isn't just an event; it’s an opportunity to live out your baptismal call alongside our bishops. We will be heading out in service teams to support those most in need at:

St. PJ’s Children’s Home: Bringing hope and care to children in transition.
St. Stephen’s CARE Center Food Pantry: Helping to nourish families in our community.
Catholic Charities: Assisting with vital programs that uplift the vulnerable.

On the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday at the Pastoral Ministry Center (directions), the archdiocese invites young adults (ages 18 to 39) to discover how their own fiat can change their lives. After a morning of serving as the hands and feet of Christ, participants will enjoy lunch and be inspired by a keynote reflection from our shepherd Archbishop Gustavo. The afternoon will include a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration with praise and worship to guide the moment of prayer. The day will close with food trucks and fellowship. FIAT 2026 is more than just an event: It is faith in action today designed for real connection and missionary purpose. All young adults are welcome.

FIAT is a collaboration among the archdiocesan Office for Evangelization & Formation, the Vocations Office, and Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Catholic Television of San Antonio

Photo: Provided

A live re-enactment of the suffering of Christ — Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion — leading to His crucifixion in front of the San Fernando Cathedral was broadcast by CTSA April 3.

View Video

Photo of the Week

Photo: Veronica Markland for Today's Catholic Newspaper

Chrism Mass 2026 was celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in March 31. On this day, the Church celebrates the renewal of the priestly promises, the blessing of the oils of the sick and of catechumens and the consecration of the sacred Chrism.

Read the Homily

Today's Catholic Newspaper

Treasures of the Archdiocese of San Antonio: A Commemorative Book

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

Click here to purchase

Mutually Shared Vision

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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