Location: San Fernando Cathedral
On this blessed occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of San Antonio, we gather in thanksgiving, remembering the countless ways in which God’s grace has been present in this local Church. For 150 years, the faithful have come together as members of this diocese to offer praise and thanksgiving, participating in the continuous outpouring of God’s love and mercy. Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, whose good works have built up this Church and allowed it to flourish as a beacon of faith, hope, and charity.
In our first reading, from the First Letter of John, we are reminded that “God is love,” and that “whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” This simple yet profound truth is the foundation of our faith. As Saint Augustine teaches, love is not merely from God, but is God Himself. Our 150 years of service and devotion are a testament to this love, which has been manifested in the lives of the clergy, religious, and laypeople who have labored tirelessly for the good of the Church and the community. Their works are not their own, but the fruits of God’s grace working through them, as they have allowed themselves to be instruments of His love.
Saint Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, reminds us that we are called to work for the good of others, reflecting God’s love in all that we do. The good works that have been accomplished in this diocese over the past 150 years are truly God’s work, done through the willing hands and hearts of His people. Like Saint Augustine – whose Memorial we also celebrate today – we are called to examine our motives and ensure that our actions are rooted in genuine love and humility, seeking to glorify God rather than ourselves. As Pope Francis has said, humility is “the great antagonist of the most mortal of sins, namely pride.”
Saint Augustine’s life is a powerful example of the transformative power of God’s grace. He experienced the inner struggle between pride and humility, sin and righteousness, yet ultimately found clarity and peace in God’s love. His writings teach us that grace is undeserved, and that love is the fruit of grace. As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded that all our good works are made possible by God’s grace – which we mostly receive through the celebration of the Eucharist – and we are called to respond with humility and gratitude.
As we continue to build upon the legacy of the past 150 years, let us do so with the same spirit of humility, love, and service that has characterized this diocese from its inception. May we, like Saint Augustine, recognize our own need for God’s grace and strive to live lives that reflect His love. And may Our Lady of Guadalupe help us continue to be a light to the world for generations to come.
