Close to His Flock: Encountering A Shepherd's Heart at the Start of His Ministry
- Guest Contributor
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Archbishop Aquila's first Denver priest-secretary reflects on the shepherd's leadership, rooted in faith and humanity.
By Father Matthew Book
Vicar for Clergy
Priest Secretary, 2014—2024
Archdiocese of Denver
Editor's Note: Over the last almost 14 years, many have gotten to know Archbishop Aquila all across Northern Colorado as he ministered and taught, preached and blessed the faithful of the archdiocese.
But while many have come to know their spiritual father and shepherd, five men had a front-row seat to his apostolic ministry as they served the archbishop as priest secretaries.
In the reflection that follows, one of five priest secretaries shares the lessons he learned from the side and the background of Archbishop Aquila's ministry, offering us a behind-the-scenes and personal look into Archbishop Aquila's pastoral heart.
I was Archbishop Aquila’s first priest secretary in the Archdiocese of Denver, and while he was getting used to being archbishop, I was also figuring out my role. It was an adventure for both of us!
I remember at the first lunch we had together, he described a bit of his management and leadership style. He did this so I would be more comfortable and also undismayed if a little Sicilian came out.
“Don’t fret, Matt,” he said.
I appreciated the humorous self-knowledge he shared and his concern that we work well together. He similarly had amused patience if any of my German-Irish temper ever showed. This was a gift of spiritual fatherhood toward me: making allowance for humanity amid serious spiritual work.
Beyond the normal tasks of the role, I was blessed to be close to Archbishop Aquila as he exercised his pastoral leadership and showed his spiritual fatherhood in many different contexts.
Archbishop liked to make pastoral visits to parishes, and notably, the first place he chose to go was out to the parishes of Craig, Meeker and Rangely. We drove by many parishes on the way to Moffat County, but Archbishop wanted to go to the periphery; it had been quite a while since an archbishop had last visited them. It was striking how Archbishop good-naturedly accepted and participated in whatever activity was in store at the three parishes. People wanted to make a good impression and receive him well, but, in turn, he let his spiritual children be who they are and delighted in that. In this way, he really affirmed them and helped all of us keep our focus on Jesus Christ.
On other occasions, Archbishop Aquila would put himself out there in trying to speak Spanish at parishes with Hispanic communities or when the parents of men being ordained were Spanish speakers. Although he was more comfortable speaking Italian, due to his heritage and time spent studying in Rome, he never hesitated to engage people in their own language. In particular, I remember accompanying Archbishop to St. Augustine Parish in Brighton, where he spent considerable time with people and kids doing his best in Spanish. He showed real affection and fatherly delight in these encounters.
As his priest secretary, I was present for many discussions he had with leadership in which a decision had to be made. Of course, he had episcopal authority and discretion, but he sought to reinforce the deeper spiritual truths that should guide and inform his decisions. I remember growing up and hearing my dad say in the middle of different discussions, “But Matthew, it’s the principle!” He was calling me beyond just the pragmatic or convenient to really abide by what is right. Archbishop did not have to say that to me (thankfully), but he set an excellent example by seeking the mind and guidance of the Church whenever an issue was under consideration. An important ingredient to being a spiritual father is that he has also been a son of the Church.
