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"Christ Falling on the Way to Calvary" by Raphael, c. 1516. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) The Way of the Cross — and the third, seventh, and ninth stations in particular — has been an especially appropriate Lenten devotion this year. Every day, it seems, some new craziness erupts in the world, the country, or the Church. Every time we think we see rays of hope and possibility, we take another fall. So it’s good to remember this Holy Week, with Hans Urs von Balt

United States Supreme Court Building Courtesy: WIX Editor’s Note: On March 31, 2026, the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling striking down Colorado’s ban on "so-called" conversion therapy for minors. The following statement is from the Colorado Catholic Conference, which represents the collective public policy voice of the Catholic bishops of Colorado. Colorado Catholic Conference Statement on the United States Supreme Court victory in Chiles v. Salazar The Col

"Christ in Limbo" painting in Notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ Church in Bischheim, France. (Photo: Ralph Hammann via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0) Do you feel stuck in the spiritual life, like something is holding you back? Did Lent fall short of bringing about deeper conversion? Holy Week, as the culmination of Lent, seeks to resolve these dangling tensions, as we celebrate the Paschal Mystery, the new Passover initiated by Jesus. It’s about experiencing liberation, the fre

Denver’s newly installed archbishop shares a powerful reflection on humility, service and evangelization at his first Palm Sunday homily as Northern Colorado’s shepherd. Archbishop James R. Golka blessed palm branches that will be used in procession during Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) As the Church begins Holy Week — the most sacred time of the year, which leads up to Jesus’ suffering,

(Photo by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) When I began my time in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, I said I was fascinated by Jesus Christ, and I have been for much of my life. What was true then, and what was true in the Scriptures, is only truer today. I am fascinated by the way that Jesus makes himself present in our world today. I am fascinated by Jesus’ words, which echo through the centuries and in your heart and mine. I am fascinated by the way that he loved all

Those who knew him before Denver say the Archdiocese is in good hands. Archbishop James R. Golka knocks on the doors of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver at the beginning of the Mass of Taking Possession of the Cathedral, his last formal liturgical step towards assuming the pastoral responsibility for the Archdiocese of Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) Archbishop James R. Golka's first full day leading the Archdiocese of Denver began at

In his first homily as the shepherd of Northern Colorado, the newly installed archbishop called the Church to know Jesus more deeply, listen to his Word and go on mission to preach the Gospel. Newly-installed Archbishop James R. Golka processes out of the CoBank Arena at the National Western Complex following his Installation Mass, in which thousands from across the archdiocese and beyond came together to witness apostolic succession in action, and to pray for their new sheph

Inspired by Mary and strengthened by prayer, Denver’s incoming archbishop begins his ministry with a commitment to Christ and the Church in a formal profession of faith and oath of fidelity to the pope, the Catholic Church and his ministry. Archbishop-designate James R. Golka kisses the Book of the Gospels after making his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, a requirement before taking office as the sixth Archbishop of Denver. (Photo by Grant Whitty/Denver Catholic) Mar

St. Augustine Arguing with Donatists by Charles André van Loo, c. 1753. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) My Lenten reading has included an interesting, if somewhat odd, book about the greatest of the Latin Fathers of the Church: Augustine the African by Catherine Conybeare, a philologist currently teaching at Bryn Mawr. The interesting part of the book reframes Augustine as a North African provincial who sees the world differently — and thus thinks differently and

In his remarks to archdiocesan deacons, Denver’s new shepherd expressed profound gratitude for the ministry and service of those configured to Christ the Servant. Deacon Tim Unger, director of the St. Francis School of Theology for Deacons; Deacon Mark Leonard, assistant director of deacons; Cardinal Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the United States; Archbishop-designate James Golka; and Deacon Ernie Martinez, archdiocesan director of deacons, pictured here with the deacon

Archbishop-designate James Golka chats with Father Joseph Toledo, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Fort Collins, following the presbyterate meeting on March 18. (Photo by Neil McDonough/Denver Catholic) As he prepared to assume leadership of the Archdiocese of Denver this week, Archbishop-designate James Golka made an important visit March 18 to those at the forefront of the Church's ministry in Northern Colorado: the Archdiocese of Denver's priests. The visit came

In a packed, vibrant Denver parish, the retiring archbishop delivers a call to faith, gratitude and mission. Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila visited Annunciation Parish in Denver, his last parish visit as Archbishop of Denver. (Photo by Olivia Britt/Denver Catholic) “Do you believe?” That was the simple — yet complex — question Archbishop Aquila posed Sunday to the packed congregation at Denver’s Annunciation Parish as the inner-city “parish of immigrants” gathered to say

Archbishop Aquila’s Journey of Faith, Humility and Mission with the Neocatechumenal Way Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving with the Neocatechumenal Way community on Saturday evening. (Photo by Kaylee Stoll/Denver Catholic) A large group of young pilgrims drew near the center of the historic city of Santiago de Compostela when, from a nearby alley, they were suddenly attacked. As objects flew and insults filled the air, one man stood at the head of t

Nebraska native’s hometown family and friends share who he is and what he’s like Then-Bishop James Golka shows his pectoral cross to Charlotte, Jolene Wojcik's granddaughter, after a wedding Mass. (Photo courtesy of Jolene Wojcik) Connected to Christ. Of the many fine qualities those close to Archbishop James Golka attribute to him, the foundational one is that. He is genuine, prayerful, humble, deeply faithful and pastoral, said family, friends, mentors and colleagues. His l

Hundreds from across Northern Colorado came together in prayer and gratitude for Denver's retiring archbishop. Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila blessed those gathered as he processes out of the Mass of Thanksgiving for his ministry on Sunday at Light of the World Parish in Littleton. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) Before hundreds of faithful gathered Sunday afternoon for a special Mass of Thanksgiving at Light of the World Parish in Littleton, Denver Archbishop Samuel

After 14 years leading the Archdiocese of Denver, Archbishop Samuel Aquila will enter retirement on March 25. By Francesca Pollio Fenton/EWTN News Over the past 14 years, Archbishop Samuel Aquila has led the Archdiocese of Denver. Appointed to lead the archdiocese in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI, Aquila — who at 75 has reached the customary retirement age for prelates — now prepares to hand the role over to Bishop James Golka, who will be installed as the archdiocese’s new leade

The annual convocation became a moment of unity and gratitude as the archbishop and his deacons reflected on years of ministry and personal connection. This year's annual deacons' convocation was punctuated by a deep spirit of joy, laughter and gratitude, as brother deacons from across the archdiocese gathered with one another and with Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila one final time before his retirement. (Photo by Kaylee Stoll/Denver Catholic) The annual deacons’ convocati

A Catholic call to contrition, confession and change. The Confession by Giuseppe Molteni (1838). Oil on canvas, 173.5 x 141 cm (68.3 x 55.5 in). Cariplo Collection, Gallerie di Piazza Scala, Milan. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) For those struggling to get out of habits of mortal sin, frequent Confession is a necessity. But since venial sins are not required to be confessed, I set out to be convinced of the benefits of frequent Confession. The Catholic Church t

Part Four: To evangelize well, we must first be good and holy friends. (Photo: Lightstock) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps towards intentional accompaniment. Part One: A Practical Guide for Everyday Catholics Part Two: Be A Disciple First Part Three: Discern Who to Accompany Part Five: Build Zones of Freedom It’s been fifteen grueling months, but

The wide-ranging interview, the prelate’s last as Archbishop of Denver, covered a variety of topics, including immigration, vocations, Catholic education and pro-life issues. Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila introduces Archbishop-designate James Golka during a February 7 press conference announcing the appointment. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) A historic change is coming to Denver, as Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila approaches the formal end of his ministry in Denver ne