On Feb. 5, 1918, Spencer Penrose, who was in the midst of building the Broadmoor Hotel, wrote a letter to Bishop J. H. Tihen of Denver, indicating that his wife, Julie Penrose, was “anxious” to build a small Catholic chapel near the hotel. He enclosed proposed drawings for the chapel and indicated it would be built on land donated by the Broadmoor. He estimated the cost would be between $10,000 and $15,000. Bishop Tihen approved, as long as the property was controlled by the church, and by September the project was underway. On Sept. 5, 1918, noted local architect Thomas MacLaren sent the bishop blueprints for the new chapel.

As we conclude our celebration of Independence Day, I would like to reflect on the enduring and, indeed, increasingly crucial role that Catholic education plays in our society. While often viewed through a narrow lens, a deeper examination reveals its profound impact — an impact rooted in both faith and civic responsibility, and not dissimilar in spirit to the transformative vision that underpinned Abraham Lincoln’s land-grant colleges such as Colorado State University.

In today’s secular world, we believe that Catholic education, which integrates faith and learning in a meaningful way, is more important than ever.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The Diocese of Colorado Springs is entering a new era for Catholic education, one marked by deeper faith, stronger community partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to forming missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. This transformation is not simply a refinement of current practices, but rather a reawakening to the true mission of Catholic education, to integrate faith into every corner of life and to build a culture where Catholic identity flourishes not only in the classroom, but in homes, parishes, and the broader world.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Bishop James Golka will celebrate a homeschool graduation Mass on June 3 at 12:10 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Eighth and 12th grade graduates are invited to participate by contacting Lori Trechter at sgrch@googlegroups.com. Those who are unable to attend are invited to submit their graduate’s name by May 30 for recognition in The Colorado Catholic Herald’s special graduation issue, which will be published June 6.