Last Saturday, August 2, the Denver Coliseum transformed into a spiritual haven as approximately 3,800 individuals came together for Metanoia 2025, a significant Hispanic retreat conference held for the first time in Denver.
Participants, hailing from the Denver Metro area and surrounding communities, arrived with open hearts, eager to reconnect with their faith and renew their commitment to God.
The event was organized by El Sembrador Nueva Evangelización (ESNE), providing attendees with a space for prayer, reflection, and personal transformation through a series of powerful talks and inspirational testimonies.
Renowned psychologist Lupita Venegas, Catholic speaker Marangely González, Father Filiberto Cortez, and ESNE founder Noel Díaz were among the special guests who delivered heartfelt messages of faith and hope, contributing to a transformative experience for those present.
Mariana, a local young woman who attended Metanoia after a friend’s invitation, expressed how the event reignited her faith and connection to the Church.
“God sent me to this event, and I came with an open heart. It’s been so beautiful. I truly enjoyed it, and I’m so grateful to be here. Lupita spoke about joy, and it really touched me,” she shared.
The atmosphere was further enriched by the praise music of the local band Sangre y Agua, who set an uplifting tone and prepared attendees for a deeper encounter with God.
Among the highlight moments of the day was undoubtedly the Holy Hour, where Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament became present to the attendees, allowing them to approach Him in deep devotion.
Archbishop Samuel Aquila celebrated a special Mass for attendees, joined by Bishop Jorge Rodriguez, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with faith and finding hope in a transformative way.
Despite some attendees being unsure of what to expect, many arrived with receptive spirits, eager to hear what the Lord had to say.
Bishop Jorge Rodriguez concelebrated the Mass for Metanoia attendees, contributing to the event’s sacred and reflective atmosphere, filled with prayer and personal transformation.
The Holy Spirit’s transformative grace was palpable throughout the day, as many were touched and healed during this profound experience.
The term ‘Metanoia’ originates from the Greek word μετάνοια, which translates to ‘change of mind’ or ‘change of heart.’ In Catholicism, it signifies a deep, ongoing conversion of the heart toward God through sincere repentance.
As the day unfolded, it became clear that countless lives were being changed through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, marking a moment of renewal for many involved.
For Francisco, who has been a dedicated member of Ascension Parish for over 14 years, Metanoia represented much more than just a Catholic gathering; it was a profound reaffirmation of faith and a chance to reconnect intimately with the Holy Spirit.
“It had been about 20 years since I last went to a conference like this. I was able to relive the beautiful things I used to have in my heart that had maybe started to fade. Today, they were reawakened,” he shared emotionally.
Noel Díaz expressed gratitude toward attendees for their willingness to open their hearts to a divine encounter.
He encouraged everyone to trust in God, even amid uncertain circumstances, stating, “We’re going to be okay, as long as God is with us.”
Díaz reflected on the special experience of being in Denver for the first time, surrounded by thousands from diverse backgrounds, and noted that the testimonies shared during the day were the true fruits of their mission.
María, a parishioner from Our Lady Mother of the Church Parish in Commerce City, described her powerful encounter with God during the event, stating, “I feel like God is here. His presence is visible in us because we feel Him, because we are living something beautiful.”
Moved to tears, she continued, “There’s something in our hearts — and I believe it’s the Holy Spirit — telling us we are being healed. I haven’t stopped crying.”
One of the most significant moments was the Holy Hour, where attendees drew near to the Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament with reverence and devotion.
Participants expressed a longing to touch Him, reflecting their faith and hope, reminiscent of the Gospel account in Mark 5:25-34, where a woman touches Jesus’ cloak and is healed.
María Gurrola, a young woman from St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Denver, recounted a moving experience of touching the Blessed Sacrament with a handkerchief, saying, “I felt something so beautiful in my heart. It was as if God confirmed to me: ‘YES, this is my Body, this is my Blood, my Divinity!’”
The event culminated with a celebratory Mass led by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, who expressed thanks to ESNE for their ministry and their evangelizing efforts within the Hispanic community during his homily.
The atmosphere was filled with gratitude as attendees recognized the profound impact Metanoia 2025 had on their lives.
Through tears, testimonies, and smiles, the day served as a powerful reminder that God continues to move among His people.
In conclusion, Metanoia 2025 left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended.
The event not only encouraged spiritual growth and a deeper connection to their faith, but also reinvigorated hope within Denver’s Hispanic Catholic community, reaffirming their unshakeable belief in God’s transformative power.
image source from：denvercatholic
