Friday, February 13, 2026 | | 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. | |
Lent is February 18 - April 5
Reflect. Repeat. Restore.
| | Pope Leo XIV with Eastern Orthodox urges Christians to strengthen unity | | |
Pope Leo XIV recently called on Christians to remove prejudices and “disarm” their hearts in order to strengthen bonds of unity in Christ and advance the cause of Christian communion.
The pope made the appeal while receiving priests and monks from the Oriental Orthodox Churches who are participating in a study visit to Rome organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | On the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, we are drawn to the grotto, a humble place where heaven chose simplicity. Mary appeared not with arguments, but with light, silence, and a call to prayer. She revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception — a heart perfectly open to God. In her, nothing blocks the light. She shows us that true purity is not about what touches us from the outside, but about what we allow to dwell within. When the heart is clouded by pride or fear, even good structures become heavy. When the heart is free, even small acts become radiant. Pope Leo XIV reminds us that compassion begins when we stop, see, and draw near. As he says in his message for World Day of the Sick, “The Samaritan did not pass by … he gave him his time.” Many seek healing of the body, yet the greatest miracle remains the healing of the heart. That kind of presence restores sight — both for the wounded and for the one who serves. Dear friends, imagine your heart as a clear spring, like the waters of Lourdes. Let God keep it pure, open, alive, so that others may drink hope through you. May we become neighbors who heal by drawing near. And may Our Lady of Guadalupe, tender Mother of mercy, keep our hearts open to her Son and lead us always to see with love.
| | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | Secure Your Child’s Competitive Advantage with TEFA | | |
For the first time, the state of Texas is empowering parents to direct their own educational taxes toward the school that best fits their child’s academic needs. The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program provides a strategic financial pathway for families to access the rigorous academic standards and disciplined environment of archdiocesan schools.
By utilizing these state-allocated funds, you can choose a curriculum characterized by high-tier academic performance and individualized attention without the burden of traditional tuition costs. This is a logical investment in your child’s future success, backed by a proven track record of college readiness and community leadership. Applications must be submitted by March 17 to ensure eligibility. Don't miss the opportunity to maximize your child’s potential through a high-performance education. Take control of your educational options today.
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| National Marriage Week Ends this Weekend, but Celebrating Marriage is a Daily Commitment | | Ash Wednesday on College Campuses: Start the Lenten Journey | | Lent starts this Wednesday and Campus Ministry is inviting all college students to kick it off with us. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent: forty days set aside to slow down, take an honest look at our lives, and make space for God to work in us. It’s a time of returning, refocusing, and resetting our hearts. It’s not about being perfect, but about being authentic witnesses of the Gospel with our friends, our family, and the world. In the middle of classes, deadlines, and the usual campus chaos, this is your chance to pause, breathe, and remember what really matters. | | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | Our Lady of the Lake University has shared plans to restore west side murals at Cassiano Homes. | | Photo: Xaver Ramirez | Catholic Television of San Antonio (CTSA) | | Former Catholic Charities Interim President and CEO Gladys Gonzalez received Christifideles Laici Award at the Lumen Gentium Evening Prayer Service held February 2 at St. Mark the Evangelist Church. This award is bestowed by Archbishop Gustavo to outstanding Catholic laypeople, recognizing their dedicated service, commitment, and generosity to their community. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
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2025 Catholic Directory Five Dollar
Limited Quantity - Only a few left
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Five Dollar 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.
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