Archbishop Golka Celebrates African Catholic Society Anniversary

Archbishop Golka Celebrates African Catholic Society Anniversary

by

Faith, Heritage, and Fellowship at Queen of Peace Parish

Immigrants from nations spanning the African continent gathered at Queen of Peace Parish in Aurora on Sunday, October 25, marking the 12th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Denver’s African Catholic Society. Denver Archbishop James Golka celebrated the anniversary Mass alongside Father Felix P. Medina-Algaba, pastor of the parish, joining a congregation that blended traditional attire, multiple languages, and diverse cultural expressions into a single service.

The society functions as both a spiritual home and a cultural anchor for Catholics hailing from countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and The Ivory Coast. Since its inception more than 12 years ago, the ministry has focused on preserving heritage while forging connections across linguistic and national divides.

“The African Catholic Society is more than an organization. It is a family, a community of faith, a celebration of heritage and an opportunity to put the love of Christ into action,” said longtime ACS president Lawrencia Owusu-Ansah, as reported by the Denver Catholic.

Music, Languages, and Archbishop Golka’s Message

Liturgy at Queen of Peace featured performances by the African Catholic Society Choir, a group that performs monthly at Queen of Peace as well as across the Denver metro area. Readings and hymns incorporated English alongside French and Yoruba, a language primarily spoken in West African nations including Nigeria and Togo.

Cathedral basilica immaculate conception cathedral archdiocese denver roman catholic church

Addressing the congregation during the service, Archbishop Golka offered praise for the community’s impact within the region.

“You are a bright light in the archdiocese,” the archbishop told the members of the society.

Following the Mass, more than one hundred attendees moved to the parish center for a multicultural reception. The gathering featured ebullient music, a buffet of various African foods, traditional dances, presentations, and scholarship awards aimed at keeping younger members engaged in their faith.

Looking Forward to Community and Spiritual Growth

Kateri Williams, director of Black Catholic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver, highlighted the significance of the milestone.

“The joyful and vibrant celebration of the rich cultures and traditions of the African nations, together with the beautiful spirit of unity shared among Catholics of all ethnicities, is truly inspiring,” Williams said, according to the Denver Catholic. Kateri Williams

Organizers emphasize that the society’s mission extends far beyond cultural celebrations. Leadership points to an ongoing commitment to spiritual growth, charitable works, and Gospel outreach within the wider Denver community.

Father Medina-Algaba, who helped establish the ministry more than 12 years ago to support a growing immigrant population, led the congregation in prayer during the celebration, asking for continued blessings on the group’s mission to serve both the local church and the wider world.

More on African: African Leaders Demand Permanent UN Security Council Seats With Veto Power

More on this

Read next