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As the Church commemorates the 800th anniversary of the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi, we are invited into a sacred moment of grace. In his care for the faithful, Pope Leo has granted a plenary indulgence through January 10, 2027, opening for the whole Church a path of renewal during this Year of Saint Francis.

Every gift helps form the next generation of priests who will one day celebrate the sacraments, preach the Word, and serve our parishes across Central Texas.

Peace be with you! As we enter into the glory of Easter, may our eyes of faith see the empty tomb recognizing that darkness and death do not prevail. May we open our hearts to receive the graces flowing from the Heart of Jesus Christ who has won for us victory over death – inviting us to eternal life.

The life-giving season of Lent is about to come to a close. It is my hope that it has been a very fruitful time for you. Beginning with the celebration of Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, Holy Week begins.

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.

"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.

Decree | While the fruits of grace of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, which has just ended, in which we have all been urged to become pilgrims of that hope that does not disappoint (cf. Rm 5:5), are still present and effective, a new occasion for jubilation and sanctification is added to it as an ideal continuation: the eighth centenary of the happy passing of Saint Francis of Assisi from earthly life to his heavenly homeland (3 October 1226).

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.