One Family in Christ: Archbishop Golka Joins National Burmese American Catholic Conference in Aurora

Denver Archbishop James Golka (center) smiles for a photo with Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, S.D.B., Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar (to his left), Father Paul Htut, parochial vicar at Risen Christ Parish in Denver (to his right), and other priests visiting for the National Conference of Burmese-American Catholics. (Photo by Matt Walker/Denver Catholic)

By Matt Walker

“Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the conference is that it reflects the Church itself: many cultures, many languages, but one faith, one Eucharist and one family in Christ. In a world that often experiences division, this gathering is a reminder that diversity and unity can exist together and enrich one another.”

That’s Father Paul Htut, Parochial Vicar at Risen Christ Parish, speaking about the 15th annual National Conference of Burmese-American Catholics (NCBAC) held July 24th through the 26th in Aurora.

Hosted for the first time in the Denver Metro area by the Colorado Myanmar American Catholic Community, the event attracted nearly 1,000 participants from across the United States and featured cultural performances, spiritual talks, sports and community activities as well as Confession, Adoration and Mass.

Myanmar, officially known in English as Burma until 1989, is a Southeast Asian country with a population of approximately 55-58 million. It is bordered by India and Bangladesh to the west and lies along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Home to more than 135 officially recognized ethnic groups and many languages, Myanmar has experienced decades of armed conflict, including long-running civil wars and repeated periods of military rule. Catholics make up about 1% of the country’s population.

A priest of the Archdiocese of Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, Father Htut is the chaplain to the Myanmar Catholic community in Colorado and served on the organizing committee for the NCBAC.

“Many Burmese-American Catholics came to the United States after experiencing war, persecution, displacement or years in refugee camps,” he explained to Denver Catholic prior to the event. “Others arrived as students, professionals or through family reunification.

“Although our journeys are different, our Catholic faith has remained our common foundation,” Father Paul continued. “For many participants, this is the one time each year they can worship, sing and pray in their own languages while also experiencing the richness of being one Catholic family.”

Denver Archbishop Golka invites Cardinal Bo to stand and be honored.

Burmese Catholics nationwide gathered in Aurora for the 15th annual national conference.

Mass and the sacraments were at the conference's core.

The national conference was the first time many attendees were able to pray in their native language

Cardinal Bo of Yangon, Myanmar, joined the national conference.

"It's an honor to be with you," Archbishop Golka said in his homily.

"As Catholics, we are part of one body," the archbishop said to those gathered.

Father Paul Htut, parochial vicar at Risen Christ Parish in Denver, helped organize the conference.

(Photos by Matt Walker/Denver Catholic)

Denver Archbishop James Golka was the principal celebrant for Mass at Hinkley High School on Sunday, the final day of the three-day event. He was joined by other Burmese and American priests, most notably, by one of his own Catholic heroes, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, S.D.B., Archbishop of Yangon.

“It is an honor to be with you,” the archbishop said during his homily. “Your culture is beautiful. Your Catholic faith, even though you're maybe 1% of the people in Myanmar, is vibrant and alive and growing.”

Archbishop Golka then addressed the instability, especially the military coups that have so often destabilized Myanmar following the country’s declared independence in 1948.

“I know that, especially since 2021, with the current coup, thousands of people have been murdered and over 3 million people displaced — many of them, you,” he said.

Archbishop Golka noted that, for Myanmar, there is hope, and one source of that hope was, quite literally, right before those gathered at the NCBAC.

“When we look at Myanmar and what's happening there, a hero stands out. The first and only cardinal from your country. He speaks for peace and for justice. He's very wise and prayerful, and for him to be here these days is a blessing,” the archbishop said before asking Cardinal Bo to stand and accept the thanks of those present.

“As Catholics, we are part of one body,” Archbishop Golka continued. “And if one member in our body hurts, we all hurt. So, on behalf of the entire Catholic Church, especially in this archdiocese: we are your brothers and sisters. We walk with you. We trust in God totally. God will take care of us. God has something better in store. But let's take a moment of silence and pray for your homeland, Myanmar. Let us pray for peace, restoration. For God and Jesus Christ to reign and rule.”

After Communion, NCBAC President Maurice Lee presented Archbishop Golka with artwork handcrafted from natural Burmese materials, an act met with extended applause. It was one of many indications that his decision to attend the event had a meaningful impact on all who attended, as did his heartfelt encouragement.

“[It] is a tremendous honor and a sign of welcome,” Father Htut said. “As immigrants and refugees, it is easy at times to feel unnoticed or unimportant. Some may even wonder if anyone recognizes their presence or values what they have to offer. His participation is an encouragement to immigrants and refugees who are building new lives in Colorado. It sends a powerful message that they are seen, valued and belong.”