A Farewell Thank You from Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila
- Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
February 7, 2026
My Brothers and Sisters,
As I prepare to enter retirement, my heart is filled above all with gratitude — to God, to the priests and deacons of this local Church, to consecrated women and men, and to the lay faithful who have walked together as missionary disciples in Northern Colorado. From the beginning of my ministry here, I have been convinced that the Lord is at work among us, calling us ever more deeply to conversion, communion and mission.
In my years as your Archbishop, I have often returned to the truth that the renewal of the Church does not begin with programs, but with encounter — an encounter with Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist, alive in his Word, and active in his people. When we place Christ at the center, and stay attached to the Vine who is Christ, the Church becomes what she is meant to be and bears fruit: a sacrament of God’s love for the world, sent forth to proclaim the Gospel with joy and conviction.
I give thanks for the countless acts of fidelity, generosity and courage I have witnessed across our parishes, schools, ministries and families. These are signs of hope, even in times of challenge, and reminders that the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church in every age, including — and especially — in our apostolic age.
As we look to the future, I ask you to join me in prayerful support for my brother bishop whom the Lord has called to shepherd this Archdiocese: Archbishop-designate James R. Golka. May he be strengthened by your prayers, encouraged by your collaboration and sustained by the grace of the office he will receive. Welcome him with open hearts, confident that Christ himself remains the ultimate Shepherd of the Church.
Please know of my continued prayers for you. May the Lord bless you, keep you close to His Sacred Heart, and lead us all ever deeper into the joy of the Gospel. And may Our Lady of Guadalupe, the mother of Jesus and our mother, always keep you under the mantle of her protection.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L.
Archbishop of Denver
