Saints Among Us: The Holy Men and Women Who Shaped Colorado's Catholic Legacy
- Denver Catholic Staff
- Apr 8
- 6 min read
Did you know that Colorado has a rich Catholic heritage, stretching back centuries?
Catholic life in the Mile-High City and across Northern Colorado is illuminated by the lives of saints and holy individuals who have left an indelible mark on the state's history.
From patron saints to modern-day candidates for sainthood, these figures embody the virtues of faith, charity and community.
Let's embark on a journey through time to explore the stories of these remarkable saints with ties to the Centennial State!
St. Francis of Assisi: Patron Saint of Colorado
St. Francis of Assisi, the beloved founder of the Franciscan Order, holds the esteemed title of patron saint of Colorado.
As the first Catholic missions and communities cropped up across the land that would become Colorado, St. Francis' spiritual children provided pastoral care to countless individuals centuries ago.
Beyond the communal connection, St. Francis' deep reverence for nature, poverty and simplicity resonates with the state's majestic natural beauty and the people who live in harmony with it. This connection to the environment finds a special echo in Colorado, a place defined by its awe-inspiring landscapes — from the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the expansive plains below.
St. Francis' love for creation reminds Coloradans of the sacredness of the land and their responsibility to care for it. His example continues to inspire many in the state to pursue lives of simplicity, stewardship and compassion, living out the Gospel call to protect the world that God has entrusted to us.
His day, October 4, is celebrated in Colorado with a rank of Feast, as opposed to a memorial in the General Roman Calendar, highlighting his spiritual connection to the state.
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini: Champion of Immigrants
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first U.S. citizen to be canonized, also has a profound connection to Colorado’s Catholic community.
In 1902, she arrived in Denver to serve the growing population of Italian immigrants who had come to work in the state's mining industry. Responding to their needs, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini founded an orphanage for immigrant children in Denver, providing not only shelter but also a sense of belonging in a new land.
The holy pioneer didn't even let a lack of water on the new camp property stop her from serving God's people. Legend has it that she prayed, struck a rock and watched as water bubbled forth in a spring that still flows today.
Her influence in the area did not stop there. She also established a summer camp in Golden for children, which would later become the Mother Cabrini Shrine, a place of pilgrimage and prayer that continues to draw thousands of visitors today.
The shrine, nestled in the foothills, is a tribute to her devotion to caring for the poor, the orphaned and the marginalized. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini's legacy in Colorado serves as a reminder of the Church's mission to serve the most vulnerable and to be a beacon of light to those on the margins.
St. John Paul II: A Pilgrim's Visit
The year was 1993, and hundreds of thousands descended upon Denver, which had the profound honor of hosting World Youth Day, a momentous event for young Catholics across the world.
The event was graced by the visit of St. John Paul II, who, with his characteristic warmth and spiritual depth, touched the hearts of the innumerable pilgrims.
St. John Paul II’s visit to Denver was not just a historic moment; it was a spiritual awakening for many young people in the Archdiocese of Denver and beyond.
The saintly pope's visit also happened to coincide with a summer of profound violence and gang activity in Denver, one that claimed the lives of numerous Denverites and baffled locals. The violence even left organizers concerned over the safety of the international event. But, miraculously, once World Youth Day began, the violence just stopped, clearing the way for a peace, joy and faith-filled moment of grace.
His address to the youth emphasized the importance of living out the Gospel with vigor, urging them to be the light of Christ in the world.
The event created a ripple effect, sparking greater enthusiasm for the faith and a sense of belonging in the global Catholic family. His presence in Colorado continues to be a source of inspiration for the youth, reminding them to embrace their faith with boldness and joy.
St. Teresa of Calcutta: A Mother's Love
St. Teresa of Calcutta, known for her radical commitment to the poor and dying, made two memorable visits to Denver in the 1980s. These visits left a lasting impact on the local Catholic community, especially in the way they inspired people to see Christ in the faces of the poor and marginalized.
During her time in Denver, Mother Teresa called the faithful to embrace the corporal works of mercy, urging them to care for the sick, the homeless and those on the peripheries of society.
Her humility, compassion and selfless dedication to the poorest of the poor sparked a wave of charitable initiatives and a renewed sense of duty within the archdiocese.
St. Teresa’s legacy in Colorado reminds us that true holiness is found in acts of love and service, particularly to the least among us.
Servant of God Julia Greeley: Denver's Angel of Charity
Born in slavery sometime between 1833 and 1848, Servant of God Julia Greeley was a woman of profound faith and charity who became an integral figure in Denver’s Catholic community.
After being freed from slavery in Missouri, Julia moved to Denver, where she dedicated her life to serving others, particularly the poor and marginalized. She became known as Denver’s “Angel of Charity” for her tireless efforts to assist those in need, often making visits to the sick, distributing food and helping with any charitable work she could.
Julia's most remarkable trait was her deep humility — she often did her work anonymously, going to great lengths to preserve the dignity of those she served.
She is remembered for her great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and her cause for beatification was initiated in 2016.
Servant of God Julia Greeley’s life exemplifies the heart of the Gospel: loving service to others without seeking recognition, a life dedicated to God’s work of mercy.
Servant of God Michelle Duppong: A Faithful Beginning
Servant of God Michelle Duppong, baptized at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Arvada, is a modern-day figure on the path to sainthood.
While Michelle's life may not be as widely known, her deep faith and commitment to living out the Gospel make her a shining example for others.
Her connection to Colorado is particularly meaningful to the Archdiocese of Denver, where she began her journey of faith.
Michelle's life reflects the quiet heroism of everyday holiness, striving to live with grace and to serve others with love and humility. As her cause for sainthood continues, many in the Colorado community see her life as a reminder that holiness is not just for historical figures or those who perform extraordinary acts, but for all who live out their faith in the everyday moments of life.
Servant of God Leo Heinrichs: A Local Martyr
Servant of God Leo Heinrichs was a Franciscan priest who served at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Denver in the early 20th century.
He is remembered not only for his dedicated service to the community but also for his sudden martyrdom while celebrating Mass in the church.
A man of deep faith and compassion who gave his life in service to God and his people, Father Heinrichs' martyrdom stands as a powerful witness to the strength of his convictions and his total surrender to God’s will.
His life and death inspire all who seek to serve the Church, reminding us that the path of holiness can sometimes lead to great sacrifice.
Father Heinrichs’ story continues to resonate with Coloradans, and his cause for beatification brings to the forefront the profound witness of the priestly vocation.
Servant of God Thea Bowman: Bridging Communities
Servant of God Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, was an eloquent and passionate advocate for the Black Catholic community.
Her visits to Denver, where she led workshops and gave talks, helped bridge cultural gaps within the Church. Sister Thea was a powerful voice for unity, often challenging Catholics to embrace diversity within the Church and to recognize the richness of different cultural traditions.
Her deep spirituality, compelling preaching and love for Christ left a lasting impact on those she encountered.
Through her work, she encouraged all Catholics to understand the beauty of diversity and to live out the Gospel call to love one another as brothers and sisters.
Servant of God Thea Bowman’s legacy continues to inspire those who seek to live a life of reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ.
Honoring Our Saints
These saints and servants have woven a tapestry of faith, hope, and love throughout Colorado's history. Their stories remind us of the universal call to holiness and the diverse ways God’s grace manifests in our lives.
As we reflect on their legacies, may we be inspired to live out our own vocations with renewed fervor and compassion, seeking to serve those in need, spread the Good News and embrace the call to holiness in all that we do.
