Ever since I participated in World Youth Day 1993 in Denver, there’s something about gathering with others for a common spiritual purpose that gives me goosebumps. St. John Paul II gave Colorado a beautiful, very fruitful gift that August, and he also gave the world an additional gift earlier that year — observing the first World Day of the Sick on Feb. 11, 1993, on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. St. John Paul II set aside this time for all people to offer prayers, share in the suffering of others, offer our suffering to God, and see the face of Christ in the suffering.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Beginning in 2025, St. Dominic Parish in Security and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Colorado Springs will host Divine Mercy (DM) Masses on the first Friday of each month, with Masses alternating between the two locations.

COLORADO SPRINGS.  Mary Ann Lamecker, a longtime employee of St. Patrick Parish, died Oct. 19.

Holy Days of Obligation in the coming weeks: 
• The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, Dec. 9.
• Christmas Day on Wednesday, Dec. 25.
•The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Jan. 1, 2025.