Once upon a time in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, there were only two seminarians studying for the priesthood. Whenever a young Catholic male expressed interest in learning more about a vocation to the priesthood, there was great rejoicing in all the land, even if he never applied to the seminary. Ordinations were rare but joyful occasions. The likelihood of a priest shortage seemed more real as more and more priests neared the age of retirement.

This summer, I have an incredible opportunity to do a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. James.  The Camino de Santiago in Spain is a pilgrimage that Christians have walked for hundreds of years.  With many starting points all around Spain, France and Portugal, pilgrims walk for several days across the countryside to reach the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of St. James the Greater, one of Jesus’ original twelve apostles, is buried. Pretty exciting right? 

COLORADO SPRINGS. In addition to their work in youth and young adult ministry, faith formation and other activities in the diocese, the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco have made themselves available to guide young women who are discerning vocations to religious life or consecrated virginity.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Bishop James Golka will celebrate the annual diocesan Blue Mass on May 16 at 12:10 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The Mass is celebrated each year to show appreciation of the work done by law enforcement personnel, firefighters and first responders.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Two weekend retreats designed to provide an opportunity to share in the love and joy of knowing God and Catholicism are being offered to local prisoners.

Titled “Questionable Characters,” the retreats are being offered to local inmates. The first retreat will be held June 23-25 at the Limon Correctional Facility (LCF), and the second retreat will be held from July 7-9 at the Buena Vista Correctional Facility (BVCF).

DENVER. Sister Blandina Segale was an Italian immigrant who came to the Wild West town of Trinidad, Colorado, at the age of only 22.

Amid her efforts to start schools and hospitals, she intervened against lynch mobs, conversed with outlaws, and lived such a life that she is now a candidate for sainthood.

Her life and the history of 1870s Trinidad have inspired a television series in development called “Trinidad,” in which Sister Blandina will be the main character.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The St. Serra Club of Colorado Springs announced the winners of its annual Priesthood Appreciation Contest.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The Diocese of Colorado Springs’ Office of the Permanent Diaconate invites men who are interested in being considered as deacon candidates to submit applications. To begin the application process, please send an email to Deacon Cliff Donnelly, Director of Deacon Formation, at cdonnelly@diocs.org. For more information on the formation program, visit www.diocs.org/Pastoral-Services/Office-of-Permanent-Diaconate. 

COLORADO SPRINGS. The Diocese of Colorado Springs 2022-23 Vocations Prayer Calendar is now available for download on the diocesan website at https://www.diocs.org/About/Vocations/Priestly-Vocations/Vocations-Prayer-Calendar.

Starting with September 2022, the calendar lists an active priest, retired priest, seminarian, or another general intention to pray for each day, as well as any clergy anniversaries occurring that day. The calendar concludes in August 2023.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Sister Mary Imelda Ohotnicky, a former parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish in Security, was one of eight Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia who professed perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience on July 25 at Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville.