First Hispanic Marian Day: A ‘Yes’ That Can Change the World
- Rocio Madera
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Hundreds of faithful took part in Denver’s first Marian Day, held on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in a gathering marked by faith, prayer and devotion.
“Mary’s yes can change the whole world.” With these moving words from his homily, Denver Archbishop James Golka addressed those gathered for the first Hispanic Marian Day, held on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The special Mass, concelebrated by Denver Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez, was part of a day that brought together about 300 people, most of whom are consecrated to Jesus through the heart of Mary, as well as 50 young people. Filled with prayer, reflection and faith, the day fostered an atmosphere of hope at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver and its Christ the King Chapel.
Drawing on Mary’s example, the archbishop reminded those present that faith also means learning to say “yes,” even when we do not understand the path ahead.
“Mary is our example … When the angel Gabriel tells Mary, ‘You are going to have a baby, and his name will be Jesus,’ she says, ‘I don’t understand, but if it is God’s desire, yes,’” the archbishop said.
Her response changed history and became an example of how to live more in line with God’s will and less in line with our own.
“It is important that we listen to God in order to understand his plan. If we understand his plan, like Mary, we will say yes,” he said.
The archbishop also reminded the faithful that closeness to Jesus Christ can transform our lives and fill our hearts with true joy.
“A joyful Catholic can change more people in the world,” he said, encouraging those present to carry Christ’s message beyond the church and make their faith a living witness.
Archbishop Golka reminded them that seeking holiness does not mean being perfect, but rather desiring to remain close to God and walk with him.
“God has a plan for those of you who are here,” he said. “He has something for you and for everyone. Let us be open to everything God wants to tell us in life.”
(Photos by Rocio Madera/Denver Catholic)
Among the speakers who presented on the day’s various topics were Father Eric Zegeer of St. Pius X Parish in Aurora, Father Jaime Valdez of St. Therese Parish in Aurora, Father Antonio J. Flores Cota of St. Joseph Parish in Denver and Msgr. Emile Martin of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Denver. Catholic singer and preacher Lupita Aguilar also participated, serving as emcee and delighting those present with her voice and moving songs dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
For Ángeles, a parishioner at Ascension Parish in Denver, the day’s talks were deeply moving and strengthened her devotion to Mary.
“The topics reached the deepest part of my heart. The Virgin Mary has done so much in my life. It is wonderful and amazing to see what she does with the heart in order to lead us to Jesus,” she said.
Ángeles is certain that Mary leads us to Christ.
“How do you proclaim the greatness of your God if not through Mary?” she said with conviction.
María Ortiz, a parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish, traveled from Boulder to take part in the moving gathering, which deepened her understanding of the Virgin Mary.
“There was so much to learn about Mary, and it helped me love her and draw much closer to her heart, to my Blessed Mother, who is always with us and never leaves us,” she shared.
She also expressed her gratitude for Archbishop Golka’s presence.
“I feel very privileged to have attended this Mass with the archbishop and that he took the time to be with us,” she said.
Likewise, Sara Cárdenas of St. Theresa Parish in Frederick expressed her excitement about Archbishop Golka’s participation.
“This is the first time I have been at a Mass with the archbishop, and I loved it. The fact that he speaks our language is very exciting,” she said.
For her, the celebration was a special opportunity to live out her faith and experience the joy of the Eucharist.
“The Eucharist is something that fills me. It is very rewarding,” she added.
(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic)
Although many people were unable to participate in the first Hispanic Marian Day due to space limitations, the response was so positive that organizers are already considering holding the second Marian Day at a larger public venue.
“If there is a first gathering, there has to be a second,” said Teresa Ríos, event coordinator and a member of the Mary, Queen of Hearts Association.
She also explained that this is only the beginning of a special celebration.
“These consecutive gatherings will lead us to the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe,” she said.
At the end of the day, not even the rain could dampen the participants’ joy and devotion. A procession around St. John Vianney Theological Seminary brought the moving gathering to a close, as the faithful walked together in prayer with their eyes fixed on the Virgin Mary.
Together with her, those who attended — and all of us — are called to repeat her “yes” and allow God to change the world, one soul at a time.
