As Archbishop Aquila approaches his 75th birthday on September 24, the Archdiocese of Denver prepares for a significant transition in leadership. With the impending submission of his resignation, parishioners are invited to reflect on the upcoming changes and trust in God’s divine guidance.
While the identity of his successor remains unknown, the faithful are reminded of Jesus’ promise to be with them until the end of the age, as referenced in Matthew 28:19-20. This assurance serves as a foundation for prayer and hope as the community begins to navigate this period of uncertainty.
In times of transition, anxiety and fear can often accompany excitement and hope. Archbishop Aquila has emphasized the importance of seeking solace in prayer, particularly through the intercession of Mary, especially in her role at the foot of the Cross. In his 2025 Lenten Pastoral Note, “Standing With Mary at the Foot of the Cross,” he describes Mary as a model of hope, perseverance, and contemplation, inviting the faithful to draw nearer to Jesus during such transformative moments.
The Archdiocese encourages individuals to pray the Novena to Mary at the Foot of the Cross, entrusting their worries, anxieties, and hopes to her. This spiritual practice aims to provide peace and focus, allowing participants to deepen their relationship with Jesus during this transition.
In addition to turning to Mary, Archbishop Aquila has called upon the faithful to participate in the Surrender Novena, a prayer focused on building a spirit of trust and unity. Encouraging a deep surrender to Divine Providence, Aquila highlighted its relevance during the Archdiocesan Discernment Process in 2022 and reiterated its importance as the community faces upcoming changes.
Praying this Novena allows the faithful to renew their commitment to putting Jesus first in their lives. As they surrender their hearts and minds to God, their love for Him and the Holy Spirit can flourish, creating an atmosphere of togetherness and peace within the archdiocese during this time of change.
Another opportunity for heartfelt prayer comes through Eucharistic Adoration or Mass. Whether attending Mass or sitting in Adoration, participants are encouraged to offer time in prayer specifically for Archbishop Aquila, his successor, and the transition unfolding in the Archdiocese. These moments of communion bring individuals into direct contact with Jesus, enabling them to express their hopes and fears to Him.
The John 6 Prayer Resource, introduced by Archbishop Aquila in his August 2023 Pastoral Note, “You Have the Words of Eternal Life,” can serve as a guide during these times of Eucharistic prayer. Previous pastoral reflections, such as the Advent 2022 note “Were Not Our Hearts Burning?”, may also resonate with the faithful as they seek to grow closer to the Lord and offer their prayers for the transition.
Before ascending to the Father, Jesus assured His followers of His ongoing presence through the Holy Spirit, as stated in Matthew 28:20. As the Archdiocese enters this new chapter, parishioners are encouraged to invoke the Holy Spirit for guidance in their lives and within the broader community.
By aligning their prayers with the sentiments expressed by Archbishop Aquila in his 2022 Pentecost Pastoral Note, “Truth and Unity: The Mission of the Holy Spirit,” the faithful can collectively strive towards nurturing a closeness to God’s heart, driven by love for their community.
In this period of transition, individuals are invited to participate in these communal and individual prayer initiatives, fostering spiritual growth and unity as they navigate the future of the Archdiocese together. With steadfast faith and trust in God, the community can face the upcoming changes with hope and anticipation for what is to come.
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