Where the Lord Leads: Serving Archbishop Aquila at the Close of His Ministry

Daily service at the archbishop's side offers a glimpse into a life lived in total surrender to Christ.

As Archbishop Aquila's retirement drew near, Father David Hall had the privilege of watching Denver's shepherd follow the Lord in complete surrender, even to the end of his formal ministry. (Photo by Daniel Sasala)

By Father David Hall

Priest Secretary, 2025—2026

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Editor's Note: Over the last almost 14 years, many have gotten to know Archbishop Aquila all across Northern Colorado as he ministered and taught, preached and blessed the faithful of the archdiocese.

But while many have come to know their spiritual father and shepherd, five men had a front-row seat to his apostolic ministry as they served the archbishop as priest secretaries.

In the reflection that follows, one of five priest secretaries shares the lessons he learned from the side and the background of Archbishop Aquila's ministry, offering us a behind-the-scenes and personal look into Archbishop Aquila's pastoral heart.

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I am humbled by the character of the men who have served in this role before me, and humbled that the Lord has chosen me to take up the office and work with Archbishop Aquila as he comes to the end of his many incredible years of service to the Archdiocese of Denver.

As I reflect on my short time with the archbishop, the words of Jesus come to mind: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

This may not be too surprising, but the life of a bishop is a yoked life. I’ve been privileged to witness this reality in my short time in this office, as I live and work with him. Our shepherd carries a real burden. Archbishop has given his life in service to the Church, and he has remained faithful to that commitment for the past (almost) 50 years of ministry.

But this yoke is more than just the workload (and believe me, there is plenty of work). At its heart, the yoke we take on when we choose to follow Jesus is a surrender of our will. This surrender must be chosen anew and lived out each day, to choose not to be the master of one’s own life, but to be led by another.

I think of what Jesus said to St. Peter in the Gospel of John: “When you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will carry you where you do not wish to go” (John 21:18). Archbishop Aquila’s daily life is dedicated to the mission of the Archdiocese of Denver. As his secretary, who schedules many of his appointments, I often feel as if I am the one leading him where he does not wish to go!

Yet, he carries such a beautiful grace and peace, which I witness every day. I believe that this peace comes from a personal relationship of surrender to God. He truly has answered the call of the Apostles to “come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). In following the Lord, he is at peace. I am truly grateful to be able to witness the peace and joy that mark his daily life.

And so his yoke is easy, and his burden is light (Don’t tell him I said that!).

Working with and for the archbishop in these closing moments of his episcopacy here in the Archdiocese of Denver has been a blessing and an honor. I am grateful for his leadership, for his trust in the Holy Spirit, and for his patience with his new, inexperienced Master of Ceremonies.