Week of
September 20, 2000
Inside the Register
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Celebration highlights the universality of local Church
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Thousands gathered Sunday in Magness Arena to celebrate God's faithful promise, "I will be with you always, to the close of the age!"
Participants included African American youth and elders in traditional garb, Asian-Americans in colorful costumes, Hispanic young adults in brilliant white shirts, and others representing many cultures and age groups.
Despite technical problems with translations that were to appear on the arena's scoreboard, people were quiet and attentive during the talks presented by the keynote speakers, Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos and Bishop Sean O'Malley (see the articles in this issue).
As the arena staff struggled to keep up with the long lines at concession stands, priests had to be called in to hear confessions due to the long lines of those seeking the Sacrament of Penance.
The Adoration Chapel was filled throughout the day with those resting and praying in the presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
Hundreds of children took part in an afternoon session in nearby Hamilton Gymnasium that included praying, singing and dancing to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
In the midst of the swirl of people was Peg Dornbach, who co-chaired the Eucharistic Congress along with Tim McCarthy, vice-chancellor of the archdiocese.
Despite the technical problems, and the challenges involved in managing the first local Eucharistic Congress in living memory, Dornbach, who recently left the Office of Liturgy for a leadership position at St. Thomas More Parish, said the event had fulfilled its purpose.
"This day represents a new beginning," she told the Register after the closing Mass of the Congress. "In the future, people will look back and realize that the new millennium began with this event, at this arena," she added.
"If people bring the love of the Eucharist that we experienced here back to their parishes, it will transform the local Church," she added.
For Mar Munoz Visoso, secretary for Hispanic Ministry and master of ceremonies of the Congress, a major highlight was the number of Spanish-speaking Catholics in attendance.
"There has not been another event in my memory where so many Spanish-speaking people were present," Munoz told the Register at the end of the day. "It was truly a sign of love for the Church - as the archbishop said in his address, `In the Eucharist, all the gifts of the Church come together.'"
Miguel Diaz, a coordinator at St. Therese Parish, led a delegation of nearly 50 Hispanic youth and young adults from Aurora.
"It was a great blessing to be invited to participate in this event, and the words of Cardinal Castrillón were especially meaningful to us," he explained. "When the whole church gathers to celebrate, it strengthens everyone," he added.
At the opening of the Congress, Archbishop Chaput recognized the presence of Metropolitan Isaiah, spiritual leader of the Denver Diocese of the Greek Orthodox Church.
"He is our friend and brother and has shown a great deal of love and commitment working for the unity that Christ prayed for," the archbishop said.
In a brief address, Metropolitan Isaiah responded by saying, "Today, we of the Orthodox churches rejoice with you in fraternal love and spiritually celebrate along with you the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation for his people."
Archbishop Chaput was the main celebrant of the Votive Mass that closed the Eucharistic Congress. The concelebrants included Cardinal Castrillón and Bishop O'Malley, as well as the other bishops of the Denver Province: Colorado Springs Bishop Richard Hanifen, Pueblo Bishop Arthur Tafoya, Cheyenne Bishop Joseph Hart and Coadjutor Bishop David Ricken. Some 60 priests serving in the archdiocese also concelebrated the Mass.
Archbishop Chaput presided at a solemn Benediction that closed the event.