On Mission

(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...

The U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether Colorado violated the First Amendment by excluding Catholic preschools from its universal preschool program. Students at St. Mary Catholic Virtue Preschool in Littleton, Colorado. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Becket By Katherine Matt EWTN News A broad coalition including the U.S. solicitor general has lined up behind Colorado Catholic families and two Catholic preschools as the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether Colorado violated the First...

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...

The pontiffʼs letter stressed religious freedom, the right to life and the contributions of Catholics and immigrants to American history. Pope Leo XIV greets visitors from the popemobile while riding around St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican before his weekly general audience June 17, 2026. (Photo: CNS/Vatican Media) By Francis X. Rocca/EWTN News Pope Leo XIV celebrated the contributions of Catholics and immigrants to the United States in an open letter to Americans for the country’s 250th...

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...

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Americans can learn a lot from our brothers and sisters who have found true freedom on our shores. (Photo: Denver Catholic composite design) Warning: This article contains tough subject matter that may be difficult for some to read. For many of us, freedom can seem as natural as the air we breathe. We assume it has always been there and always will be. Yet for many others, freedom has been something denied or painfully won. As our nation...

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...

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...

(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...

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787, by Howard Chandler Christy, c. 1940. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) As we mark the national semiquincentennial on July 4, we might well reflect on Benjamin Franklin’s answer to Elizabeth Willing Powel, when the elderly sage left the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and the Philadelphia matron demanded, “Well, Dr. Franklin, what have we got, a republic, or a monarchy?” To which Franklin famously...

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...

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...