PHOTOS: A Blessed and Successful Deacon Convocation in the Archdiocese of Denver
- Guest Contributor
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
By Deacon Ernie Martinez
Director of Deacons, Archdiocese of Denver
The Archdiocese of Denver recently hosted a truly blessed and successful Deacon Convocation that drew over 190 deacons and deacon candidates from across the archdiocese. Held at a local hotel, the gathering was marked by prayer, fellowship and rich teaching from a remarkable lineup of nationally recognized speakers who inspired, challenged and encouraged the participants in their call to serve the Church.
A Rich Tapestry of Speakers
This year’s Convocation featured an exceptional slate of speakers whose expertise and dedication to the Gospel profoundly impacted all present.
Father John Anthony Boughton, CFR, the general servant of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, stirred hearts with his powerful testimonies of living sacrificial love and radical discipleship. With his extensive ministry to the poor and forgotten, Father Boughton’s words resonated deeply with the deacons, particularly as he spoke about being a strong presence to others in their suffering and bringing Christ’s light to the darkest corners of society.
Scripture scholar Dr. John Bergsma from the St. Paul Center offered rich insights into the Word of God, drawing connections between the Old and New Testaments and helping the deacons delve deeper into the living Word that nourishes their ministry. His reflections underscored the importance of remaining rooted in Scripture to effectively proclaim the Word of God as heralds of the Gospel.
Father John Nepil, vice-rector of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, addressed the deacons with characteristic eloquence and depth. Drawing upon his experiences in seminary formation and pastoral life, Father Nepil spoke about the necessity of spiritual renewal and fraternity among the clergy. His exhortation to remain steadfast in prayer, brotherhood and pastoral service struck a chord with many deacons seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ and each other.
Father Sam Morehead, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, provided practical and theological insights into the Eucharist’s centrality in the life of the deacon. His call to renew devotion to the Blessed Sacrament as the source and summit of their ministry inspired the deacons to embrace a Eucharistic spirituality that animates their service to the faithful with important balance in their lives and ministry.
Lauren Castillo, Board Chair of Colorado Pro-Life Action and a leader at Bella Health & Wellness in Englewood, delivered a passionate and timely address on the urgency of being positively pro-life in today’s culture. With clarity and compassion, she encouraged the deacons to speak boldly and act courageously to defend the preborn and the dignity of every human person for faith-forward health. Her message resonated deeply as she shared practical ways to integrate the pro-life message into pastoral ministry.
Finally, the convocation concluded with heartfelt reflections on the unity and fraternity throughout the weekend and the importance of sacrifice, mutual support and ongoing formation, even as those gathered honored deceased deacons in the “Hall of Deacons” presentation.
(Photos by Ryan Brady)
A Time of Unity and Celebration
Saturday night was a chance to embrace the unity of priests and deacons with a social that welcomed more than 20 priests, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and the esteemed speakers of the weekend. Dr. Bergsma was the keynote speaker and emphasized John 17, Christ’s priestly prayer for unity in the Church. The deacons hope that this gathering of brotherhood can become a staple in the years ahead, strengthening the bonds of fraternity and shared mission.
The overall Scripture theme for the three-day Convocation was drawn from St. Paul's letter to the Romans 12:1-2: "Sacrifice in Diaconal Ministry." Archbishop Aquila addressed the deacons in a plenary session and served as the main celebrant of the Opening Mass. His homily and talk reflected the theme of sacrificial love and holy transformation.
Archbishop Aquila spoke of the call to present oneself as a living sacrifice, rooted in God’s initiative and mercy. Drawing upon the example of St. Maximilian Kolbe and the sacrificial lives of Mary and St. Joseph, he urged the deacons to embrace humility, obedience and faithfulness in their ministry. His words highlighted the need to always seek the Father's will and trust that true love is inseparable from sacrifice.
Deacons Share Their Reflections
The Convocation left a deep impact on many Deacons who attended.
Deacon Greg Trudel expressed his gratitude by saying, “A much-needed spiritual shot in the arm. Thank you so much!”
“Each speaker in this Convocation strengthens my faith and deepens my commitment to the calling I've embraced,” added Deacon Alfonso Valadez. “Together, we answer the call to inspire and uplift our communities.”
“We left renewed for mission, zealous for truth and eager to bring Christ to our people,” said Deacon Joe Nowak.
Moving Forward with Courage and Unity
The Deacon Convocation concluded with a resounding sense of hope and purpose. As the Deacons departed from the Convocation venue, they carried with them the wisdom imparted by the speakers, the encouragement of their brother deacons and a renewed desire to serve Christ and his Church with fidelity and joy.
Archbishop Aquila was very pleased with what he witnessed, saying, “We are truly blessed to have had such an outstanding group of speakers who have left our deacons with so much to ponder and apply in their lives and ministries. This Convocation was a powerful reminder of the beauty and importance of the diaconate in the Church today.”
The Archdiocese of Denver’s Deacon Convocation was indeed a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit and a powerful witness to the unity, dedication and courage of those who have embraced the call to serve.
May the fruits of this gathering bear witness to Christ's love throughout the archdiocese and beyond.
