Denver Catholic

4 JUNE 24-JULY 7, 2017 | DENVER CATHOLIC Cover Story I n what was a historic first for the Archdiocese of Denver, the exhumed remains of a potential saint were laid to rest at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception June 7. The canonization process for the Servant of God Julia Greeley was opened Dec. 18, and as part of the pro- cess, her remains were exhumed from Mt. Olivet Cemetery May 26-31. After careful examination by an anthropol- ogist, her remains were transferred to the cathedral, where they will remain permanently.¦ A transfer ceremony, presided over by Bishop Jorge H. Rodriguez, was held to honor the laywoman, who is the first person to be buried at the cathedral. The ceremony took place on the 99th anniversary of Greeley's death. "[Julia Greeley] will be the first person buried in Denver's cathedral. Not a bishop, not a priest – a laywoman, a former slave. Isn't that something?" Bishop Rodriguez said to an applauding congregation. Greeley exemplified three qualities of holiness throughout her life, Bishop Rodriguez said: humility, perseverance and faith. She was known for walking the streets of Denver, handing out Sacred Heart pamphlets to firefight- ers and delivering goods to poor fami- lies. What wasn't known, however, was that she su•ered from arthritis – a fact revealed by the exhumation and exam- ination of her bones. "We know from the stories passed on to us that Julia Greeley was tireless in her charity and in spreading the faith," Bishop Rodriguez explained. "What we didn't know until the exhumation is that Julia su•ered from arthritis in her hands, feet, back…almost every joint that could have hurt, probably did. Nev- ertheless, she never stopped practicing and doing and showing love." Dr. Christine Pink, the forensic anthropologist responsible for the BY AARON LAMBERT aaron.lambert@archden.org @AaronLmbrt Julia Greeley laid to rest at the Cathedral We know from the stories passed on to us that Julia Greeley was tireless in her charity and in spreading the faith." BISHOP RODRIGUEZ " Bishop Jorge Rodriguez presides at the Transfer of the Remains ceremony of Servant of God Julia Greeley at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception June 7. The ex-slave is the first to be buried at Denver's Cathedral Basilica. PHOTOS BY ANYA SEMENOFF

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