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Pope reads speeches unassisted after illness
Pope Francis had seven meetings the morning of December 7 where he read out three speeches unassisted for the first time in nearly two weeks. The pope, who has been recovering from a bout of bronchitis, said that he was feeling “much better” on December 6 but opted to have an aide read his general…
Archbishop writes in memory of migrants
Dear brothers and sisters, Today, on this day of deep sadness and reflection, I speak to you, the San Antonio community, to remember the 53 migrants whose lives were tragically taken on June 27, 2022, in our beloved San Antonio. As archbishop of this community, I address you with a sorrowful heart filled with compassion as…
Archbishop writes in memory of migrants
Dear brothers and sisters, Today, on this day of deep sadness and reflection, I speak to you, the San Antonio community, to remember the 53 migrants whose lives were tragically taken on June 27, 2022, in our beloved San Antonio. As archbishop of this community, I address you with a sorrowful heart filled with compassion as…
Pope Francis out of surgery, recovering in hospital
I pray for the soul of Queen Elizabeth II of England, who is lovingly remembered for her commitment and dedication to the United Kingdom.
Vatican responds to handwritten letters from Uvalde children
The Vatican responded to letters written by the children of Uvalde after they were personally delivered by Catholic Extension’s chancellor, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, following the May 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School that killed 19 fourth graders and two teachers.
Pope Francis beatifies John Paul I, pope for 33 days
Pope Francis beatified John Paul I, who reigned as pope for only 33 days, amid a thunderstorm in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
Father Camillo Botello dies August 26 in New Braunfels
Father Camillo Botello Jr., MSF, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in New Braunfels, died August 26 in New Braunfels.
Sacred Heart School in Uvalde begins school year
Sacred Heart Catholic School in Uvalde began the new academic year on August 15 with more than 100 pre-K3 through sixth grade students, doubling their enrollment from last fall.
Funeral arrangements set for Bishop John W. Yanta
Bishop John W. Yanta, a prelate proud of his Polish heritage who traced his lineage to the first settlers of Panna Maria, died in his residence in San Antonio on August 6 — the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord — after years of dealing with a number of serious health ailments with a resolute and prayerful demeanor as he continued to lead and guide work on a number of endeavors close to his heart.
Letter from archbishop to San Antonio City Council
I was dismayed to learn of the July 27 press conference on the steps of City Hall and the upcoming August 2 special City Council meeting to consider a resolution in support of “reproductive health care rights.”
Archbishop homily at Mass of Healing in Uvalde July 17
Saint Paul says to the Colossians that – through his own suffering – he joins Christ in his afflictions for the sake of his people. The Lord had died on the Cross and Paul was eventually beheaded. It is certainly a great mystery that our almighty God – who is infinitely good – allows the misfortune of the innocent at the hands of the wicked or the negligent. But in Jesus he reveals to us that, although the Father allows even his only Son to suffer the consequences of our sins, he does so with one purpose: to save us from ourselves. The Lord has no need to take sides. He is the reference for what good is. And not a single drop of our Lord’s blood is spilled in vain! He is the Prince of Peace. It is up to us to join him in his purpose.
Archbishop to preside at Mass of Healing in Uvalde
Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, will preside at a Mass of Healing and Reconciliation at Sacred Heart Church in Uvalde on Sunday, July 17, at 6 p.m.
Archbishop homily at memorial Mass for migrants June 30
Dear people of God. Present here, we have bishops, clergy, leaders of different faith communities, people who are dedicated to serve the migrants, public servants, consuls from different nations, women and men in consecrated life. In a special way we recognize migrants from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and many other nations present here, who have come to pray and show solidarity with what happened. Thank you for giving a human face to our migrant brothers and sisters.
Archbishop Gustavo statement about deaths of 53 people
We pray for the souls of the 53 people who died in such a cruel, inhuman manner last night, and also keep in prayer the 12 survivors – adults and children – as well as their families and all of the first responders who assisted and saved lives and must now carry with them the memories of this scene of carnage.
Statement of Archbishop Gustavo regarding Dobbs ruling
I am truly heartened and overjoyed by today’s historic ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturns the Roe v. Wade decision after nearly five decades. In the United States, that tragic ruling has resulted in the deaths of more than 60 million babies in the womb since the early 1970s.
USCCB statement on U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs ruling
In response to the Supreme Court of the United States issuing its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities issued the following statement:
Supreme Court rules for Maine religious schools
The Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision June 21 in the case of Carson v. Makin, which challenged a decision by the First Circuit to allow the State of Maine to exclude religious schools from a tuition assistance benefit on the basis that those schools include religion as part of their instruction. By vote of 6-3, the Court ruled in favor of the petitioners.
Archbishop’s homily from Feast of Corpus Christi Mass
After the liberation from Egypt, all Jewish priests had to be descendants of Aaron. Animals were often offered as victims in religious sacrifices, not the fruit of the earth and work of human hands, such as wine and bread. But Melchizedek’s priesthood is much older. We do not know his origin nor do we know if he had descendants. Melchizedek is a mysterious priest-king. His name means king of justice.
Homily for ordination of permanent deacons June 11
“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:10).
Homily from funeral Mass of Irma and Joe Garcia
Remarks from Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, at funeral liturgy of Irma Linda and Jose “Joe” Garcia at Sacred Heart Church in Uvalde June 1.
Homily of Archbishop Gustavo in Uvalde on May 29
The Church is a mother. La Iglesia es madre. All the baptized are represented here by this congregation. We are all members of the Church. Todos somos Iglesia. As a mother to those suffering in Uvalde, today we look up, towards heaven, begging the Father to show them his mercy. And we embrace the families as a mother her children. We cry like a mother does! Our children have been taken away! The pain of families in Uvalde is our own. We need to pray passionately for them and their children.
Official archdiocesan assignments for 2022
The following is a list of changes in assignments for priests in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, effective July 1, 2022, unless otherwise noted.
Statement of Archbishop Gustavo regarding shooting in Buffalo
Regarding the senseless and tragic murder of 10 individuals and the wounding of three others in a Buffalo supermarket the afternoon of May 14, we profoundly regret the loss of life and pray for all concerned. We remain steadfastly opposed to all forms of racism.
Pope laments Easter of War in Urbi et Orb blessing
In his Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter 2022, Pope Francis lamented an “Easter of War” as he prayed for peace in Ukraine and around the world.
On Good Friday pope says world has chosen path of Cain
Pope Francis said in an interview aired on Good Friday that the world has “chosen the path of Cain.”
Archbishop letter regarding consecration of Russia and Ukraine
I have previously advised you through the Presbyteral Council that that I will be signing a revised Proclamation of the Pastoral Vision of the Archdiocese of San Antonio on Friday, March 25, 2022, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. This important event will take place at 9:30 a.m. during a televised Mass celebrated at Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary. This document will be sent to you for publishing on your social media platforms and in your parish, school, or agency locations.
MLK interfaith service seeks to unite
For more than three decades, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Citywide Interfaith Worship Service, which takes place the day before San Antonio’s exceptional Martin Luther King Jr. March, has brought together diverse faiths.
Online encounter: The Fruits of Living as a Synodal Church
The Archdiocese of San Antonio invited all the people of God to join Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette and guest speakers Professor Rafael Luciani and Father David McCallum, SJ, from the Theology and Methodology Commissions of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops to the online encounter on January 8 hosted by Yesenia Ramirez, executive director of Catholic Television of San Antonio.
Jesus continues to call young people to priestly and consecrated life
The archdiocesan Office of Vocations thanks God for their recent discernment retreat “Life Awareness 2022,” held at the Cordi-Marian Retreat Center, in which 18 young people from the archdiocese participated to have an encounter with Christ and discern their vocation.
Archbishop birthday blessings
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, visited the Mexican American Catholic College on December 19 for their Staff Days and was serenaded for his 65th birthday.
God cares passionately for His people, archbishop tells those assembled for Our Lady of Guadalupe l
A longtime San Antonio tradition, the Our Lady of Guadalupe midnight Mass at San Fernando Cathedral, again saw a full sanctuary on December 12, and while the large serenata celebration usually held just prior was pre-taped this year, matachines and drummers insured that music and dance were still part of the festivities.
Mass for matachines moving
An appreciation Mass for matachines was celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, at the Cordi-Marian Retreat Center on December 19.
‘We need God’s light,’ San Antonio prelate says at Christmas Eve midnight Mass
The birth of the Prince of Peace was celebrated at the Nativity of the Lord on December 25 at San Fernando Cathedral during a midnight Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, in which the San Antonio prelate wished everyone a Merry Christmas
Priests from Congo to be assigned in archdiocese
Two newly arrived Congolese priests recently met with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, in late December. They are Father Albert Toangutu Tomeka, left, and Father Donatien Egamwana Balikene
Father John Alexander Leies, SM, dies at age 95
Father John Alexander Leies, SM, died in the service of the Blessed Virgin on December 22 at the age of 95 and with 77 years of vowed life. He was born in Chicago on April 24, 1926, the son of Alexander and Thecla (Eggar) Leies.
Support and encouragement provided for families
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, celebrated Mass at Guadalupe Home with its mothers and babies as well as the organization’s Board of Advisors on December 12 to open the holidays with faith and move.
Trees and treats bring holiday cheer
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, visited The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio on December 14 to bless Christmas trees that were decorated by associates before they were collected by Catholic Charities and distributed to local families.
San Fernando Cathedral La Gran Posada a reminder for today
La Gran Posada, a Christmas tradition dating back to colonial times in the city of San Antonio and continued to this day, was presented by San Fernando Cathedral on December 19. Las Posadas are celebrated to prepare for the birth of Christ. The Spanish word posada translates into lodging in English. Each posada re-enacts the biblical account of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem on the eve of Jesus’ birth.
Archdiocesan attendees set ‘Ablaze’ by Holy Spirit at National Catholic Youth Conference
More than 10,000 young people, including close to 100 from the Archdiocese of San Antonio, gathered last month in Indianapolis for an experience of faith and community in the name of Christ. The event was the National Catholic Youth Conference, hosted by the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry.
Archbishop meets with Mother General of the Seraphic Sisters
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, and Auxiliary Bishop Gary Janak met recently with the superior general of the Seraphic Sisters, Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, Mother General Justyna Audra, along with Sister Agnes Bochenek