Dear People of God:

I will never forget you, my people.

I have carved you on the palm of my hand.

I will never forget you because…

I will never forget my own.

-Isaiah 49

These powerful, heart-felt words eloquently spoken so long ago by Isaiah constantly echo within me. The prophet’s profound words aptly express my sentiments as I quietly ponder the roads now leading to San Antonio, which as we know well, are far away from Vicariate V.

It has been the privilege of my lifetime to minister among you and for you. I have truly loved each day of the past seven years of my time here in the Church of Chicago. In my initial gathering of Vicariate V when I first met representatives from every parish and institution of our faith, I spoke of my hopes and dreams for unity. I asked that unity in Christ and unity for the Church would transcend all that could threaten or separate us. For that vision, you have given far more than I ever asked or imagined!

Though the distance from Chicago to San Antonio is far, the space between our hearts and prayers is close. I humbly ask a remembrance in your prayers and promise to remember you in my prayers. That is undeniably true because...I will never forget you, my people.

In our Lord:

Archbishop Gustavo, M. Sp. S

Archbishop of San Antonio

 Thank you. May God bless you and those you love.