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 Paschal’s lifetime the Spanish empire in the New World was at the height of its power, though France and England were soon to reduce its influence. The 16th century has been called the Golden Age of the Church in Spain, for it gave birth to Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, Francis Solano, and Salvator of Horta.

Vincenzo Pinto | AFP

The Jubilee Indulgence is a powerful symbol of God’s forgiveness, extending to those who have passed away. There are two main ways to get it.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is struggling, the archdiocese and Catholic Charities have resources that can help. If you need more information visit archsa.org/mental-health or call Grace Counseling at (210) 377-1133. If you are interested in bringing Mental Health Ministry to your parish, contact Lauren Stadelman at (210) 734-1632. 

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, invites you to celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost at the Church of the Holy Spirit on May 18 at 5 p.m. Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles — a feast often referred to as the birthday of the Church. In preparation of this celebration, we invite you to pray the Pentecost Novena from May 10–18. The Pentecost Novena comes from chapter 1 of the Book of Acts where Mary and the Apostles pray continuously for nine consecutive days after Christ’s ascension into heaven. On the 10th day, the Holy Spirit descended upon them. 

Enjoy Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament! We invite you to gather in adoration, confession, and fellowship at St. Joseph Catholic Church (623 E. Commerce Street in San Antonio – Directions) this Tuesday, May 21. Worship on the River is held on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you can’t join us, watch the live stream on Facebook. 

In collaboration with the archdiocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Service is hosting five-week Parish Ministry Formation designed for those serving in ministries with middle school and high school youth. It will be hosted at the Mexican American Catholic College (3115 W. Ashby Place in San Antonio – Directions) and registration is open. 

Leading up to the Assembly on October 26 and in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the diocese, Today’s Catholic Newspaper would like to hear your story! Do you have a story to share about the archdiocese, it's history, or what the local Church means to you? Submit your story using this form.

SELLING FAST! The directory includes: Parish information and Mass schedules; updated clergy assignments and a listing of religious orders and organizations; sections dedicated to archdiocesan, educational and health services; and information about priests, deacons, brothers and women religious. Pick up your order at the Pastoral Ministry Center or have it shipped to you. Click here to order yours today. Need more information visit our website or contact Mandy Franco at mandy.franco@archsa.org or 210-734-1610.

Diocese of Victoria invitation for National Eucharistic Pilgrimage San Juan Diego route May 27 Worship at the Mission event.

Joe Abdel Sater, a swimming instructor in the seaside town of Bouar, Lebanon, built the world's largest rosary on the ocean. With the help of family and friends, his vision took shape and was launched on May 11, during the feast of Our Lady of the Seas. | Credit: Joe Abdel Sater

A Lebanese Catholic man has created a giant rosary that floats upon the Mediterranean waves.

Metropolitan Museum of Art | Public Domain

"Pentecost" by Albrecht Dürer, c.1510 (Detail)

The gifts given by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost were unexpected and original. In that spirit, we should try and celebrate the day as creatively as we can.

Veronica Markland for Catholic Television of San Antonio

All are invited to attend the archdiocesan celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi at San Fernando Cathedral on Saturday, June 1, beginning with Mass at 5 p.m. and followed by a Eucharistic Procession through downtown San Antonio. 

Veronica Markland | Today's Catholic Newspaper

As the Church commemorated the Lord’s Ascension into heaven on May 12, the celebration of the 75th anniversary of St. Andrew’s Church in Pleasanton was marked with a Mass at which Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, presided, with Father Ian Robbins, pastor, serving as concelebrant. 

Issue Highlights:

• Senior Fiesta: Catholic Charities event a day of live entertainment, lifestyle exhibitions, games and fun activities.
• Pentecost Vigil: Mass at the Church of the Holy Spirit on May 28 to commemorate 150th anniversary of archdiocese.
• Deacon Jubilarians: Thanking God for the graces of their ministry through years of service.
• 'I am the Bread of Life': Feast of Corpus Christi procession and Mass June 1 an archdiocesan-wide Eucharistic celebration.

To find more archdiocesan events and activities visit our website, https://archsa.org/events.

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