Faith & Spirituality

American Holiness: 5 Catholic Witnesses Who Served the Vulnerable with Courage

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 holy lives,...

WATCH: Father Mike Schmitz Praises the Sacred Work of Colorado’s Catholic Cemeteries

During a service day during a trip to the Archdiocese of Denver for Steubenville of the Rockies, Father Mike and his group learned what it means to “fill the void of loss with faith” at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery. (Video by Ascension) When a loved one passes, there’s a lot that goes on: funeral arrangements, property and inheritance management, family dynamics, strong emotions and powerful grief. Saying it’s a difficult time is an understatement. Yet the Church walks into that darkness...

When Mercy Calls Our Name: An Art Reflection on St. Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene's story reminds us that even after we stumble, Christ never stops calling us back to himself. Penitent St. Mary Magdalene and Eight Stories from her Life by Maestro della Maddalena. Tempera and gold on wood panel, 180x91 cm, Date: 1280 – 1285. Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence, Italy. (Photo by Elizabeth Zelasko) I was hesitant to watch The Chosen. I grew up with an image of Jesus burned into my mind from watching Jesus of Nazareth, starring Robert Powell. It was a powerful and...

American Holiness: 5 Catholic Witnesses Who Planted Seeds of Renewal

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 here, on our...

American Holiness: 5 Catholic Women Who Revealed Grace Through Suffering and Service

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 God and neighbor....

American Holiness: 5 Catholic Witnesses Who Made God’s Love Visible

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 true here, on our...

Four Key Insights from Magnifica Humanitas

Pope Leo XIV smiles as he greets visitors and pilgrims from the popemobile while riding around St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican before his weekly general audience on May 20, 2026. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) St. Augustine uses the image of two cities to define the central conflict that runs throughout history between the self-love that constitutes the City of Man and the divine love that forms the City of God. Unsurprisingly, the first Augustinian Pope, Leo XIV, shapes Magnifica Humanitas, his...

American Holiness: 5 Catholic Witnesses Who Went Where the Need Was Greatest

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, on our shores....

Eighty Years Later: Why St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Still Matters

(Photo courtesy of the Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden) By JoAnn Seaman Executive Director Mother Cabrini Shrine On July 7, 1946, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini became the first American citizen to be canonized a saint. While history rightly remembers this milestone, her canonization was never meant to mark the end of her story. Rather, it affirmed that the life she lived — rooted in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and poured out in service to others — would continue to inspire generations around the...

American Holiness: 5 Catholic Witnesses Who Lived Freedom Through Faith

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 into their usual...

American Holiness: 5 Catholic Witnesses Who Helped the Faith Take Root in America

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 here, on our...

Making Disciples: Share the Vision

Part Seven: After hearing the Kerygma, the saving news of the Gospel, and making a decision to follow Christ, the person being accompanied needs to hear what it means to follow Jesus. (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:...