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Lent draws us into the desert with Christ. It’s a sacred season—one that gives us the chance to slow down, reflect, and grow closer to Him. During these forty days, the Church invites us to focus on the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

At least 1.2 million youngsters have disclosed having had their images manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes in the past year, according to a study across 11 countries conducted by the UN agency, INTERPOL and the ECPAT global network working to end the sexual exploitation of children worldwide. In some countries, this represents one in 25 children or the equivalent of one child in a typical classroom, the study found. Full article Listen to Cosmas Zavazava, the Director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau explaining UN News’s Conor Lennon from UN News about the many threats children face, and how UN is working with the tech companies to boost protection.

"This February marks one hundred years of commemorating Black history in the United States. This milestone is an opportunity for us to prayerfully reflect on the ways history has been preserved, honored, and passed on across generations."

On January 24-25, I have asked our parish priests to participate in our sixth annual Called by Name Sunday. God has always known each one of us by name and has given us a particular call to follow. Called by Name Sunday is, first, about listening and, then, responding to God’s call.

Most Reverend Daniel E. Garcia has appointed Very Reverend Thomas J. Reitmeyer, JCL, a priest of the Diocese of Austin, as Vicar General effective January 12, 2026. Father Reitmeyer succeeds Bishop-elect James Misko who was recently appointed the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Tucson.

In solidarity with our Holy Father, who calls us to, "trust in the God of peace," I too ask for your prayers for our brothers and sisters of Venezuela calling upon our Most Blessed Mother Mary to provide succor and strength to the people of Venezuela and the world.

This morning it was announced that our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Fr. James Misko as the 8th bishop of the Diocese of Tucson. With great joy for the Church and Fr. James, I invite you to join me in congratulating and praying for him as he undertakes this new pastoral responsibility.

Each week, as we light the candles on the Advent wreath, we see the flame piercing the darkness reminding us of God’s promises and the light that is coming. May this holy season open our hearts to Christ assisting us to bring the good news to God’s people.

During this holy season of Advent, as we prepare for the birth of our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, we do so with heavy hearts as we confront the unimaginable loss of human life that occurred this weekend at Brown University and at a Jewish Community Center in Australia. Let us journey with our brothers and sisters as together we grieve the loss of 17 precious lives and support those who now face the long path of recovery from their wounds.

In light of recent statements regarding the Somali community in the United States, Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, called on all people to remember each person’s God-given human dignity.

As we ready ourselves to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, let us give thanks for the presence of those we love and share life with and especially for the God of all creation who invites us to his table and feast.

"It is my hope that as chair of this new subcommittee, I can help draw our attention as to what still needs to be done to heal the pain caused by the sin of racism that still exists today. Reconciliation is still needed for those who are victims of racism, but also for those who have indirectly or directly hurt others."

Catholic teaching exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants.

Today we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation with faithful courage. May we hold their pain and wounds in sacred trust knowing they are living witnesses of their commitment and sacrifice to defend our country.

Bishop Daniel E. Garcia delivers the homily at the Fall Adult Confirmation, which took place at San Jose Parish in Austin.

It has been a blessed month since my installation, and I write with a heart full of gratitude and joy as I begin my ministry as Bishop of Austin. From the moment of my appointment, I have felt your prayers, support, and warm welcome and am deeply moved by the faith and generosity of the people of this diocese.

As I begin my service as the Bishop of Austin, I am humbled by the faith and generosity I have witnessed in our diocese. In that spirit, I invite you to participate in the upcoming Catholic Services Appeal (CSA), which begins the weekend of October 25-26. Your prayers and financial support are vital for providing programs and services to thousands of people across Central Texas.

Bishop Daniel E. Garcia delivers the homily at St. Mary Cathedral.

On behalf of the several million people, including 700,000 Catholics, who live in the 25 counties of the Diocese of Austin, welcome home, Bishop Daniel Garcia!

Bishop Daniel E. Garcia delivers the homily on the occasion of his installation as the sixth bishop of Austin, which took place at St. William Parish in Round Rock.