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Pallium Path: Unpacking the Blessings, Sharing the Love and Faith

As pilgrims return from Rome after accompanying Archbishop James Golka as he received his pallium from Pope Leo XIV, they are filled with a spirit of faith, gratitude and mission. Pilgrims take one last group photo following a farewell dinner after a week of pilgrimage around Rome. (Photo provided) There’s plenty to do when returning from a trip. Where did I put my house keys? How do I even start doing all this laundry? Do I really have to unpack my suitcases? Post-pilgrimage, however, there...

Where the Bells Called Home: Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Italian Catholic Denver

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 rose in steel...

Pallium Path: Staying ‘In the Boat’

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) As I knelt surrounded by statues of saints at today’s Mass for the feast of the Holy Roman Martyrs, something resonated in a way it hadn’t before: it’s a blessing to remain “in the boat,” in the Church. Now, before you scoff too loudly or rage-quit this reflection, let me clarify: the Church is very human; she and her members have caused real harm. But she is also divine, instituted by Jesus and promised his presence always. It’s a strange...

How Rita Niblack Says ‘Yes’ to the Lord’s Invitation

From Catholic education to OCIA and outreach ministry, this Disciple of the Month’s life reflects a grateful response to God's love and a desire to help others encounter Christ. Rita Niblack is July 2026's Disciple of the Month. (Photo by Father Daniel Ciucci) When Rita Niblack looks back on her decades of ministry, she sees a series of invitations from the Lord: opportunities that appeared before her and simple acts of saying “yes.” Those opportunities have included serving in faith...

Archbishop Golka Discusses Julia Greeley and Kendrick Castillo with the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints

While in Rome to receive his pallium from Pope Leo XIV, the Denver archbishop met with Vatican officials to advance the causes of canonization. From left to right: John Magee, archdiocesan chancellor; Father Bogusław Turek, C.S.M.A., undersecretary for the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints; Denver Archbishop James Golka; Denver Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez; Deacon Doug Flinn, archdiocesan general counsel; and Father Patrick Dorélus of the Dicastery. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr.) Denver...

The Irish Catholic Roots of Denver: A Legacy Written in Faith

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 communities that helped...

Archbishop Golka Receives the Pallium from Pope Leo XIV

The Holy Father conferred the pallium on 35 archbishops from around the world, including Northern Colorado’s shepherd, at St. Peter’s Basilica on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. (First photo by Lola Gomez/CNS; All other photos by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) Kneeling in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Denver Archbishop James Golka took up a new mantle as he received the pallium from Pope Leo XIV. Traditionally conferred on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, the pallium calls...

‘God Provides’: Foundation for Children in Need Brings Hope to India’s Poorest Families, Thanks to Colorado Catholics

Inspired by faith and supported by generous Catholics, one couple’s mission is transforming lives through life-changing surgeries, scholarships and care for the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged in the poorest communities in India. Dr. Geetha Yeruva and Tom Chitta visit college students supported by the Foundation for Children in Need. (Photo provided) In their part-time home in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Dr. Geetha Yeruva and her husband, Tom Chitta, have a sign on their wall that reads:...

Pallium Path: Mary, Mother of the Church and Our Mother

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr.) We started our day with some free time, which meant that I had the chance to see Pope Leo — an opportunity I couldn’t pass up! When Pope Leo appeared in the window, the energy was electric. The Vicar of Christ, the world’s spiritual father, an American, was right there! As he spoke, I couldn’t help but tear up: his message called us to love more devotedly, more freely, more generously, even as Mary did — she who loved Jesus, even knowing she would lose him....

Pallium Path: A Church United

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr.) We’ve been in Rome three days now, and they’ve been filled with holy saints and sites, with lots to see, experience and learn. St. Paul Outside the Walls was beautiful. Our after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums — and the half hour we had alone in the Sistine Chapel — was moving. Borgo Laudato Si’, a Vatican project for integral ecology, was impressive. Castel Gandalfo, the pope’s summer residence, was beautiful, too. As wonderful as all these places have...

Pallium Path: Meeting St. Paul

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr.) Today we met St. Paul, face to face. Well, more or less. We visited the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where St. Paul is buried. After Mass with Archbishop Emeritus Aquila and another pilgrimage group of FOCUS missionaries and parishioners from Denver, we had the chance to pray and visit with everyone’s favorite fiery evangelist — and my confirmation saint. It was powerful. When I chose St. Paul as my patron at 14, I thought I’d discerned well. As...

Pallium Path: Jesus the Magnet

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr.) Walking through Rome this afternoon was surreal. We’d only been here a few hours. It was a hot, sticky day, and the sun beat down from above with a vengeance. We took cover in an alley, where shade offered us its cool reprieve. We were on our way to Mass, following the tour guide. Suddenly, the alley opened up. As my eyes adjusted to the sun and the setting, they nearly couldn’t believe what was before them: the St. Peter Basilica. How did we end up here? Of...