Denver African Catholic Society Celebrates 12th Anniversary With Archbishop Golka
At Queen of Peace Parish in Aurora, African Catholics celebrated their shared faith and diverse cultural heritage through prayer, music, traditional attire and fellowship.
One in Christ.
That’s the motto of the Archdiocese of Denver’s African Catholic Society (ACS). The phrase succinctly covers the ministry’s challenging mission, where immigrants from countries across Africa, each with their own different traditions and a multitude of languages, come together in their Catholic faith to build a common spiritual home.
“The African Catholic Society is more than an organization. It is a family, a community of faith, a celebration of heritage and an opportunity to put the love of Christ into action,” said longtime ACS president Lawrencia Owusu-Ansah.
With members hailing from such diverse countries as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and The Ivory Coast, the group helps to preserve cultural heritage while also creating new bonds between those from the many different countries. The society is also directed outward to serve the wider community.
“We serve God as one family. United by our Catholic faith, our African heritage and our commitment to serving one another and our wider community,” Owusu-Ansah said.
The society came together on Sunday, October 25, for their 12th anniversary Mass, celebrated by Denver Archbishop James Golka at Queen of Peace Parish in Aurora, the base of operations for the ACS.
“You are a bright light in the archdiocese,” the archbishop told the members of the society.
Music at the liturgy was provided by the African Catholic Society Choir, who perform monthly at Queen of Peace as well as across the Denver metro area. In addition to English, songs and readings featured languages including French and Yoruba, which is primarily spoken in West African countries like Nigeria and Togo.
Following Mass, more than one hundred continued the celebration in Queen of Peace’s parish center for a multicultural reception that included more ebullient music as well as varied and colorful attire from cultures across Africa.
Denver Archbishop James Golka celebrated Mass for the anniversary of the African Catholic Society
(Photos by Matt Walker/Denver Catholic)
“I am humbled and honored to be part of this special occasion each year,” said Kateri Williams, director of Black Catholic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver. “The joyful and vibrant celebration of the rich cultures and traditions of the African nations, together with the beautiful spirit of unity shared among Catholics of all ethnicities, is truly inspiring. It is a powerful expression of our shared faith and the oneness we celebrate in Christ.”
At the reception, Archbishop Golka addressed the group again, praising the rich Catholic traditions on display.
“Faith is a beautiful thing. Faith is a gift. Who gave you the faith that you have?” he asked, encouraging those gathered to imagine those ancestors who first encountered Christ, and who began handing down their newfound faith. “Somehow they met Christ, somehow they came to be baptized, and they wanted to be his disciple, and lived for him. Don't take that for granted.
“It is such a gift that you are here in this archdiocese with us,” he said in closing. “I am honored to be your brother. I will do anything for you. Be assured of my prayers.”
Besides a bountiful buffet of various African foods, the celebration featured various dances, presentations and scholarship awards designed to keep young members rooted in their faith.
“We want to be known not only for our cultural celebrations, but also for spiritual growth, charitable works, leadership and commitment to the Gospel,” Owusu-Ansah noted.
Father Felix P. Medina-Algaba, pastor of Queen of Peace, agreed to help start the ministry more than 12 years ago after parishioners noted the growing and diverse population of immigrants at Queen of Peace and beyond. He joined the anniversary celebration, asking that God would continue to bless the wonders that the ACS is doing in the Church.
“As we serve you in this country, help us be closer to you and to serve your Church,” Father Medina-Algaba said, leading those gathered in prayer to God. “As we bring the gifts of our culture, the gifts that we have received, to the people here also, may we be missionaries, to bring the Good News of your son to everyone we meet.”
