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Whether protecting the Eucharist, serving leprosy patients, defending Native peoples, caring for the cancerous poor or rescuing prisoners of war, these Catholics show what heroic service looks like. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) By Laura Becerra Youth Ministry Coordinator Archdiocese of Denver In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live hol

The interior of the Coliseum (shrine chapel) at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, New York. The shrine rests on the site where the North American Martyrs gave their lives for the faith. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) This summer has led me on an unexpected pilgrimage related to the founding of the United States. I wrote previously about traveling some of the paths taken by Spanish explorers in 1776, including the trek through Colorado a

From religious freedom and Franciscan reform to truth, beauty and everyday holiness, these modern witnesses show how God renews the Church through lives surrendered to Christ. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives, following him even to the Cross, in love for God and neighbor. The same is true

From a North Dakota missionary and a Southern Catholic writer to Black religious founders and a mystic healed by St. Thérèse, these holy women show how God transforms suffering into witness. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) By Terry Polakovic In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives, following him even to the Cross, in love for G

From classrooms and family life to the firehouse, the media apostolate and the fight for racial healing, these holy men and women revealed Christ through lives poured out in love. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives, following him even to the Cross, in love for God and neighbor. The same is t

On frontiers, in hospitals, during epidemics, in mission fields and on battlefields, these holy men and women followed Christ into places others feared to go. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) By Meg Stout In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives, following him even to the Cross, in love for God and neighbor. The same is true here

As America marks 250 years, St. Katharine Drexel, Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk, Venerable Edward Flanagan, Venerable Augustus Tolton and Venerable Pierre Toussaint show how true freedom is found in serving God and neighbor. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) By Pattrica Serrano-Bann On Sunday morning, long before many people are even awake, parishioners begin to arrive at church. As the doors open, a quiet calm settles over the sanctuary. Families shuffle in, regulars ease

The pontiffʼs letter stressed religious freedom, the right to life and the contributions of Catholics and immigrants to American history. Pope Leo XIV greets visitors from the popemobile while riding around St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican before his weekly general audience June 17, 2026. (Photo: CNS/Vatican Media) By Francis X. Rocca/EWTN News Pope Leo XIV celebrated the contributions of Catholics and immigrants to the United States in an open letter to Americans for the co

From the Georgia Martyrs to the founder of the University of Notre Dame, these missionaries, martyrs and pioneers helped plant the seeds of Catholic faith in the United States. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives, following him even to the Cross, in love for God and neighbor. The same is true

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Americans can learn a lot from our brothers and sisters who have found true freedom on our shores. (Photo: Denver Catholic composite design) Warning: This article contains tough subject matter that may be difficult for some to read. For many of us, freedom can seem as natural as the air we breathe. We assume it has always been there and always will be. Yet for many others, freedom has been something denied or painfully wo

Founded by Italian immigrants in 1894, the historic North Denver Italian parish remains a living symbol of faith, heritage and the American dream. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in North Denver stands as a testament to the Italian Catholic community in Denver. (Photo by Anne Barhyte, courtesy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Denver) By Jenna Peccia and Dominique Lillo Long before North Denver became known for trendy restaurants and modern rowhomes, before the city skyline

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787, by Howard Chandler Christy, c. 1940. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) As we mark the national semiquincentennial on July 4, we might well reflect on Benjamin Franklin’s answer to Elizabeth Willing Powel, when the elderly sage left the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and the Philadelphia matron demanded, “Well, Dr. Franklin, what have we got, a republic, or a monarchy?” To which

A call to renewal rooted in history and mission (Photo: Lightstock, created with AI) By Forest Barnette In the span of the memory of the Church, 250 years is just a drop. While the United States is right to swell with pride at the accomplishments of the Founding Fathers, Catholics claim a heritage at least as old as Abraham. Despite the youth of America and Colorado, God has nevertheless moved in big ways through the Centennial State to encourage and renew his people. The Jun

Sacred Heart, St. Patrick and generations of immigrant families helped build both the city and the Catholic faith in Colorado. An archival photo of the new St. Patrick Church in what would become the Highlands neighborhood of North Denver. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Denver Archives) By Karyl Klein Archivist Archdiocese of Denver As America celebrates its 250th anniversary and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood, it is worth remembering the many immigrant communit

What the Church celebrates — and challenges — in the American story (Photo: Lightstock, created with AI) By Austin Mernagh Theology and Social Studies Teacher Arrupe Jesuit High School, Denver Growing up in the Midwestern United States, I have fond memories as a kid on the 4th of July. Fireworks going off on every street, family and friends gathering around and enjoying homemade dishes and barbecue. The one thing that stood out the most was the presence everyone gave each o

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the gift of religious freedom remains as relevant, radical and necessary as ever. (Photo: Lightstock) Even before the founding of the United States, America was known as a land of liberty, particularly for religious minorities fleeing persecution. This included Catholics, who founded one of the original thirteen colonies. Unlike for other religious groups, however, the promise of religious freedom often fell short for C

Through catechesis, works of mercy, hospitality, military chaplaincy and hidden priestly witness, these Catholics show that every age needs missionary disciples. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) By Cecilia Dietzler Evangelization Specialist Archdiocese of Denver In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives, following him even to the

From the foundation of the United States and Colorado to the shadow of the Mount of the Holy Cross, freedom flourishes when rooted in truth, virtue and God. Mount of the Holy Cross, Colorado, c. 1900. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) What is freedom? As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary — and Colorado our 150th — the question that inspired our founding deserves new consideration. In 2 Corinthians 3:17, St. Paul wrote, “where the spirit

COMMENTARY: Denver’s ‘Angel of Charity’ spent her life bringing Christ’s love to the poor, one wagonload at a time. Julia Greeley lived a life of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Denver) By Angelo Stagnaro/National Catholic Register At the last reckoning, America has produced 10 canonized saints — 11 if you count Mother Teresa, who became an honorary U.S. citizen in 1996. In addition, we have five blesseds and 15 venerables. We cert

From the first missionaries on North American soil to a Colorado teen who died protecting his classmates, these witnesses remind us that holiness means laying down one’s life in love. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives, following him even to the Cross, in love for God and neighbor. The same