A Light of Hope: Archbishop Aquila Leads Catholic Day at the Capitol
- André Escaleira, Jr.
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
In a historic first for his time in Denver, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila led the opening prayer for the Colorado House of Representatives on a snowy Friday morning.
“Lord, our God, we praise you, thank you and adore you for the beauty of your creation, and for creating us in your image and likeness,” prayed Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila at the opening of the Colorado House of Representatives on March 6.
The heartfelt words of praise for creation’s beauty meant all the more on Friday, as the state became a winter wonderland — an answered prayer itself after an uncharacteristically dry season. More beautiful than the Coloradan snow globe that downtown Denver became, though, is the presence of God in and through it all, especially in the hearts of each human person.
“Help us, Lord, our God, to open our hearts to your presence and to remove any hardness of our hearts or lack of receptivity to your love for us,” he prayed. “Help us to be good stewards of your creation, appreciating the beauty that surrounds us and leads us to you.
He also invited legislators to pray for peace throughout the world.
“We pray especially today, Lord, for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. Help people to come to recognize the dignity of every human being and to have a deep respect for human life,” the archbishop continued. “Open our hearts to living in peace together, even when our differences may be great. Help us always to live according to your plan, which is the only way to true peace, as you teach us to love you and our neighbor. We pray all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
The prayer marked Archbishop Aquila’s first time offering the invocation on the floor of the Colorado House, a notable moment as he approaches the conclusion of his ministry as shepherd of Northern Colorado.
The visit coincided with Catholic Day at the Capitol, an event organized by the Colorado Catholic Conference that brought Catholics from across the state to engage with lawmakers and learn about the legislative process.
(Photos by Neil McDonough/Denver Catholic)
“Catholic Day at the Capitol is an exciting opportunity for our Catholic faithful to learn about the political process, tour our beautiful state Capitol and engage with Catholic lawmakers,” said Brittany Vessely, the conference’s executive director. “We are thankful to have our shepherd, Archbishop Samuel Aquila, here to bless our representatives and all Coloradans. It is the obligation of all Catholics to participate in civic life and help shape the moral foundation of our society. This is a day to equip Catholic faithful to be Christ’s light in the Capitol and in our state.”
Addressing those gathered for the event, Archbishop Aquila encouraged Catholics to remain engaged in public life, even when the political climate feels discouraging.
“It makes a difference — an important difference — promoting the values of the Gospel, promoting virtue and the dignity of the human person,” he said. “Thank you to all of you for what you’re doing. It’s important. I realize that, at times, with where things are at in our state, it can be very frustrating. So thank you.”
Nathan Fisher, associate director of the Colorado Catholic Conference and a former legislative staffer, said the presence of faithful Catholics at the Capitol can have a real impact, particularly during demanding legislative sessions.
“Truthfully, letting those legislators know that they’re doing good and that you’re supporting them and praying for them helps them,” he said. “They put a lot on the line to go through campaign season, and being here for the 120 days of session is very difficult.”
Fisher recalled long days at the Capitol while he and his wife were beginning their family last year. Witnessing the support of thousands of Coloradans at events like the March for Life strengthened his own faith and commitment to serving in the public square.
“Please do show support for the legislators doing good down here, because there is good being done here. It’s important to be a torch for light in the darkness down here, and that’s what we try to do,” he concluded.
