Archdiocese of San Antonio marks 100 years as metropolitan archdiocese with celebratory mass

Greehey Arena at St. Mary’s University was filled to capacity Saturday afternoon as the Archdiocese of San Antonio marked 100 years as a metropolitan archdiocese.

Lay members of parishes in and outside of San Antonio filled the stands to be a part of the special anniversary Mass.

The choir sang and music played as members of the clergy, priests, and nuns strode into the arena with smiles and reflective hearts to mark the work and commitment of those who came before them.

An atmosphere of worship and unity was ushered in for more than 4,000 faithful, the archdiocese said, who attended.

After the venue changed from Wolff Stadium to St. Mary’s University because of possible rain, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller said it turned out beautifully.

“It was awesome. Awesome,” he said.

The archbishop said it was possible because of collaboration and teamwork, following meetings and taking notes on what needed to be considered to ensure the change was seamless.

“People responded so well (and it was) easy,” he said. ”We adapted because when we have love, nothing will be in the way to impede us to show it.”

Outside the arena doors were displays of different ministries past and present, along with the names and faces of those who have led the archdiocese.

During the Mass, the archbishop expressed gratitude to those who chose to answer their call to serve in the midst of persecution and continued the mission of the Franciscans who carried the gospel into San Antonio, which eventually led to the archdiocese being established in 1874 and being raised to metropolitan rank in 1926.

The milestone was highlighted by García-Siller signing a proclamation, the new archdiocesan pastoral vision and mission for the future of the diocese that emphasized core values and priorities that lead to unity in Christ.

“This will be one page in English, one page is Spanish. And that said, is what will unite us,” García-Siller said. “Each community will come with their own practical ways to make it happen, but the unity will be precisely because of the pastoral mission and will be for the next at least five years or 10 years, who knows.”

Those in the stands, like Marco Ruiz, who were excited to celebrate the diocese’s 1926 mission reach the century mark, share the archbishop’s vision.

“It made me feel like joyful, made me feel like happiness, because after like 100 years, the faith, Catholic faith, is still growing, Ruiz said. “So, the vision that the archbishop was telling us is to continue with the legacy, with the Catholic faith in San Antonio. So that is very important for the other generation to keep going with that vision.

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