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Perspective

Writer's pictureDenver Catholic Staff

WATCH: Regina Caeli Hermitage to host annual hog roast fundraiser

Updated: Dec 21, 2024


Just 30 minutes outside of Denver, Regina Caeli Hermitage is an oasis of peace. Founded by the Congregation of Saint John and wrapped in the silence of the Rockies, the hermitage provides opportunities for those who wish to come experience the Lord through his creation. Along with the blessing of stunning views and picturesque cabins comes the constant duty of keeping the grounds. To assist in defraying the cost of upkeep, Regina Caeli Hermitage will host its annual hog roast fundraiser on August 24 in honor of Our Lady Queen of Heaven, patroness of the Hermitage. Father Francis of the Child Jesus, C.S.J., steward of the hermitage, recently shared the projects planned for the upcoming year and how they will impact the future Regina Caeli. This year's goal is to repair the one-mile-long dirt road that leads to the property, which was destroyed last year during a flash flood. "Those who have visited the property know how bad the road is. It's a mile long, off of South Deer Creek Road. So after the flood, we decided that we need to fix this road once and for all," Father Francis told the Denver Catholic.


A daunting project, the repair is being made possible thanks to help from volunteers and neighbors, Father Francis said.


"The professional estimate to repair the road was originally $300,000. We had a volunteer offer to provide the needed equipment, so all we will have to pay for is the gravel, the water and the professional consultants for their services," he explained.


"Additionally, there was also a neighbor who offered to cover 50% of the total costs, so all together this will bring our overall cost down to $80,000," Father Francis continued.


To cover the remaining cost, this year's hog roast fundraiser will bring together local Catholics and friends of the Community of St. John, the community of brothers to which Father Francis belongs.


The afternoon will include fellowship, Mass and the meal.


"We'll start with a meet-and-greet, then we'll have Mass and lunch. One of our neighbors roasts the pig and brings it here, so that's what we'll have as our entree, along with dessert and wine, of course," he said.


Guests are invited to stay to learn about the projects the brothers have planned for the next year and to take a tour of the grounds.


"After the meal, we'll present the projects for the next year, and we'll invite people to become recurring donors. Guests are also allowed to take a tour of the ground, if they wish," Father Francis explained.


To learn more about Regina Caeli Hermitage, visit their website and watch their promotional video. Tickets for the annual hog roast in support of the hermitage's projects, including the repair of the one-mile-long road to the property, will be on sale until August 19 at noon, and can be purchased here. Donations to the hermitage can be made on their website. Additionally, you can find books written by Father Francis here.

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