The Mass was held at 9 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 21 S. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA.
The pilgrims in attendance came from across the Archdiocese of Denver, and included groups from Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Northglenn, St. Thomas More parish in Centennial, Mullen High School, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), and Christ in the City.
In his homily, Archbishop Aquila reminded his fellow pilgrims that, “Christ must be the heart and center of your homes and must always come first. If Jesus comes first within your life, everything else will be born according to God’s plan.”
Participants expressed their excitement about the event, noting how fitting it was to gather with fellow Coloradans at Mass to pray and listen to the words of Christ, just before the world comes together in Philadelphia to pray with and listen to the Vicar of Christ, Pope Francis.
Archbishop Aquila will remain at the World Meeting of Families through the end of the Pope’s visit on Sunday.