“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (John 17:20-21)
A man’s last words speak volumes. In these, some of Jesus’ own final words in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion and death, he expresses his heartfelt desire that all his people, all God’s children might be one.
In our world, however, we are divided by innumerable considerations and wounds.
This month, Catholics from around the archdiocese will gather to pray that God remove all of these obstacles, all divisions, and that he would heal all wounds that keep us apart. The second annual bilingual Mass of Healing and Reconciliation will be the perfect opportunity to pray for this very intention. This year, Catholics of all races, ethnicities and languages will gather in prayer at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Aurora on March 23 at 6 p.m.
“The annual Mass is an opportunity for brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of Denver to promote unity in the body of Christ,” said Kateri Joda Williams, the Director of Black Catholic Ministry at the Archdiocese of Denver and a member of the Archdiocesan Committee for Racial Equality and Justice (ACREJ), which is sponsoring the gathering. “Individuals and families of all ethnicities are invited to come together and share in this bilingual Eucharist celebration.”
“This Mass provides a great opportunity for unity, bringing us together to accompany each other in prayer for the healing and reconciliation of ourselves, our communities and our world which is desperately in need of it,” agreed Laura Becerra, Pastoral Juvenil Specialist at the Archdiocese, member of the ACREJ, and a parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel.
With unity as the goal, all people are welcome and invited to join the ACREJ, as well as Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and Bishop Jorge H. Rodríguez at the second annual bilingual Mass of Healing and Reconciliation.
“We invite all to join us in coming together at this Mass, where we will come together around Christ’s table, as one family to pray to and worship the Lord our God,” concluded Becerra.
Second Annual Bilingual Mass of Healing and Reconciliation
March 23, 2023 at 6 p.m.
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
19099 E. Floyd Avenue, Aurora 80013