YOU’RE INVITED | ‘Come and Eat:’ Jubilee Celebration for Archbishop Aquila's 50 Years of Priesthood

What better way to celebrate 50 years of priesthood than with Mass with Archbishop Emeritus Samuel Aquila, a block party and lots of excellent food?

(Archdiocese of Denver design)

Easter is a time for celebration, Denver Catholics, and boy, do we have an exciting, historic and monumental celebration for you!

Mark your calendars for June 5^th, when the Archdiocese of Denver will come together to celebrate Archbishop Emeritus Samuel J. Aquila’s 50^th anniversary of priesthood.

The day will begin with a special 4:00 p.m. Mass in the outdoor quad of the St. John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization in Denver, home to St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, Redemptoris Mater Seminary and the Prophet Elijah House. During that Mass, Archbishop Emeritus Aquila will give thanks to God for the half-century of ministry to God’s people in Northern Colorado and Fargo, North Dakota. Joining him for Mass and the celebration will be Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, Archbishop James Golka and Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez. At that Mass, the faithful may even earn a plenary indulgence under the normal conditions.

Immediately following Mass is an Easter and Jubilee block party not to be missed. In the spirit of the joy of the Risen Lord, who invited his apostles to “come and eat” when he made them breakfast on the sand of Lake Galilee (see John 21), those celebrating will have access to an impressive smorgasbord of cultural delicacies!

With food from the various cultures that make up the Archdiocese of Denver — American, Mexican, Vietnamese, Burmese and Black Catholic (The African Catholic Society) communities — there will be no shortage of food to try.

The menu includes:

• Noodle (bún) bar: pork grill, chicken grill and egg rolls, with lettuce and fish sauce

• Egg rolls

• Hot dogs

• Hamburgers

• Cupcakes

• Gelato Truck

• Pulled pork sandwiches

• Cold cut sandwiches & chips

• Rice

• Beans

• Green chile

• Tacos (Barbacoa, Bistec, Al Pastor)

• Jollof rice

• Fried rice

• Pulled chicken

• Beans stew

• Fried plantains

All are invited to join in this historic and exciting celebration, completely free of charge for attendees. Capacity is limited to the first 2,000 guests, and RSVPs are encouraged for planning purposes. Since this event is outdoors, guests are asked to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and umbrellas (for shade). On-site and street parking will be limited; carpooling is encouraged.

For more information on the Jubilee celebration and to RSVP, click here.