In Via

How can a pilgrimage equip us for mission? Come along this week as we meet Father Dan Dorsey, president of the Glenmary Home Missioners. Glenmary establishes a Catholic presence in some of the most impoverished and racially diverse areas of the Southern United States.  

In this episode, we talk to Father Dan about Glenmary's recent civil rights pilgrimage, inspired by Bryan Stevenson's book, "Just Mercy." The journey took participants to historically significant places like Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, and Memphis. We talk about the power of firsthand accounts from those who lived through the civil rights movement and the importance of empathy and unity in building a compassionate society. As we reflect on this unique pilgrimage, we are reminded of the call of the United States Bishops: “We must create opportunities to hear, with open hearts, the tragic stories that are deeply imprinted on the lives of our brothers and sisters, if we are to be moved with empathy to promote justice.”

https://glenmary.org/

While many people have walked the Camino as pilgrims, what is it like on the other side – serving pilgrims? In this episode, we welcome Greg Shurman, a retired middle school history teacher and devoted father, who shares about both his experiences walking and helping pilgrims on this ancient pilgrimage. Greg takes us through his journey along the Camino Frances and the Camino del Baztan, reflecting on the spiritual enrichment and profound connections he encountered along the way. His stories of volunteering in hospitality (while fulfilling a childhood dream!) shed light on the joy of service and the Camino's unique ability to bring people together.

Discover how the Camino fosters simplicity, mutual reliance, and spiritual reflection. Greg shares heartfelt anecdotes of comforting fellow pilgrims and the unexpected kindness that marked his journey. Join us as we not only explore the spiritual growth that comes with pilgrimage but also the power of being a good listener and the transformative impact of simple, compassionate actions. 

This episode is a call to embrace the Camino's life-changing potential, and Greg's experiences might just be the motivation you need to take that first step on your own Camino! Tune in and let Greg's journey inspire your own!

What lessons lie in the ancient text of the Book of Tobit? Dr. Gary Anderson, Hesburgh Professor of Catholic Thought from the University of Notre Dame, joins us to unravel the profound themes of charity, sacrifice, and faith found within this captivating Biblical narrative. 

Explore how Tobit's acts of corporal mercy, such as feeding the hungry and burying the dead, foreshadow teachings in the New Testament and align with early Christian views on social justice. Drawing parallels with the trials and redemption in the Book of Job, Dr. Anderson illuminates how themes of exile and hope permeate Tobit's story. Delve into Tobit's journey, his unwavering faith, and the ultimate redemption that highlights the significance of charity as a form of worship, resonating with early Christian thought.

Join us as we navigate the rich narrative and theological depth of Tobit's journey from the far north to Jerusalem, his son Tobias's perilous quest, and the moving song of thanksgiving in Chapter 13. Understand the Christological themes within Tobit's prayer of confession and the concept of corporate sin, reflecting on how these ancient teachings hold relevance for collective responsibility today. This episode promises to deepen your understanding of the lessons embedded in this oft-overlooked book of the Bible.

What if the secret to spiritual growth lies within the pages of children's literature? Journey with us as we uncover the profound wisdom embedded in C.S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia." Joined by Dr. Lenny DiLorenzo from the University of Notre Dame, we promise an exploration that will leave you viewing these classic tales through a new, spiritually enriched lens.

Dr. DiLorenzo shares his fascinating journey leading to his current role at the McGrath Institute for Church Life, revealing his deep involvement in projects like the Inklings Project and the Sullivan Family Saints Initiative. Through this lens, we dive into his edited book, "Chronicles of Transformation: A Spiritual Journey with CS Lewis," which encourages readers to rediscover the magic of Narnia, not just as stories, but as guides for spiritual pilgrimage and maturity. We delve into the importance of maintaining childlike wonder, using characters like Susan and Eustace to illustrate the need for humility and presence in our spiritual lives.

Our conversation delves into the incarnational aspects of Lewis's work, using examples from "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" and "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" to discuss how these adventures mirror our own spiritual challenges. From the pitfalls of becoming too 'grown-up' to the joy found in the unexpected twists of life, we highlight how Narnia serves as a metaphor for our spiritual journeys. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to revisit these timeless tales with fresh eyes and an open heart, finding joy and spiritual renewal in the process.

Order The Chronicles of Transformation here.
Find more about Dr. DeLorenzo here.

In this episode, award-winning writer and artist Ben Hatke shares his latest adventure: a pilgrimage back home.  Inspired by Phileas Fogg’s “Around the World in 80 Days,” Ben embarked on a bold plan to circumnavigate the globe using (almost) only surface transportation. With the historical precedents set by Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland, Ben talks about how modern challenges impact such a journey. His adventure started by leaving one door of a Virginia farmhouse kitchen... and will end when he walks in the other door.

In our conversation, Ben and Joan talk about how modern-day transportation has reshaped our perception of distance and time, the need to document his journey with the desire for introspection, and travel's unexpected gifts and surprises. Come along as Ben prepares to embrace the discomforts of the road as adventures, inspired by the wisdom of G.K. Chesterton, and get ready to hear all about a pilgrimage... back home.

You can find Ben and his work (and travels) here:
http://www.benhatke.com/ 
Instagram: @heybenhatke 
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/benhatke

Can liturgy truly transform our everyday lives? Join us on "In Via" with Dr. Tim O'Malley from the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame as we explore the profound connection between worship and daily existence. Dr. O'Malley shares his rich expertise in theology, liturgy, and education, revealing how the McGrath Institute aims to bridge the gap between academic theology and the Church's practical needs. We delve into the incarnational worldview of Catholicism, emphasizing the significant role material elements play in the practice of the Faith.

How does liturgy accompany the Christian from birth to death? Inspired by Joseph Ratzinger's "Spirit of the Liturgy," we unpack the concept of liturgy as a pilgrimage, the idea of exitus andreditus, and the sacramental accompaniment of liturgy in our various stages of life. Our conversation with Dr. O'Malley highlights how the Eucharist stands as both the source and summit of our spiritual journey, addressing the full spectrum of human experience—joys, sorrows, and burdens alike. We also emphasize the necessity of active participation in liturgy, with reading recommendations to enhance our liturgical appreciation. Don't miss this engaging discussion that invites you to see liturgy not just as a ritual, but as an integral part of your life's narrative.

Meditations before Mass and Sacred Signs by Romano Guardini

Behold, Believe, Become by Timothy O'Malley

More from Dr. O'Malley
Follow Dr. O'Malley on X

What new best friend is just waiting to inspire you? Join us as we chat with Meg Hunter-Kilmer, affectionately known as the "hobo for Christ" and the "saint ninja." Meg shares her transformative journey from living out of her car for 12 years to settling in South Bend, and how she went from uninterested in saints to being a passionate storyteller of their incredible lives. Discover how a single book changed her entire outlook, connecting the dots between the stories of saints and their personalities and real lives. With her extraordinary knack for storytelling, Meg introduces us to lesser-known saints whose stories can profoundly influence our own relationship with Jesus.

We also dive into the unique narrative of the Catholic Church in South Korea, a church born out of self-evangelization by a group of courageous teenagers. Want to be inspired by this in person? Meg invites everyone to join her on a pilgrimage to South Korea, visiting significant yet often overlooked holy sites and learning about the grassroots fervor and martyrdom of early Korean Christians.

More about Meg
Website
Books:
Saints Around the World
Pray for Us: 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness

South Korea Pilgrimage

This week, we welcome Katie Bogner, a Catholic school teacher and author who is passionate about religious education and catechesis, both in the classroom and in the home. Through her website, social media, and written books, she makes cultivating a Catholic culture in the home attainable and accessible. Katie has also developed resources for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and the Eucharistic Revival.

This episode isn't just a conversation; it's an invitation to weave pilgrimage into the fabric of everyday life and to instill in our children a living, breathing faith that grows right alongside them.  Katie's insights serve as a reminder that introducing the customs and traditions of faith need not be daunting or perfect, but rather embraced with authenticity and love. This episode is your call to action, to take the steps, no matter how small, towards creating a home where faith is not just learned but lived, leaving you inspired to start your own pilgrimage, right where you are.

Resources & Links:
https://www.looktohimandberadiant.com/
Resources for how to teach Pilgrimage
American Eucharistic Witnesses for Children

Books by Katie
We Have a Pope
Through the Year with Jesus
Through the Year with Mary
All About Advent and Christmas

In today's episode we continue our discussion of the history of pilgrimage, this time heading over to England. Our guest is Father Philip Connor, a parish priest from Cumbria in the northwest of England. Father is a self-described addict of pilgrimage, and he shares tales of faith and devotion from medieval England to the modern resurgence of pilgrimages. Our paths cross with iconic figures such as St. Thomas Becket, exploring sites like Canterbury and Walsingham, where history and spirituality intertwine. 

We also discuss how the English Reformation affected the pilgrimage tradition. As we unravel the centuries-old allure of sacred travels, Father Connor's personal anecdotes reveal how these quests mirror life's broader journey, enriching our daily existence.

In this week's episode, we talk with Will Peterson from the Modern Catholic Pilgrim about the National Eucharist Pilgrimage. This historic Eucharistic Procession will cross the United States over nine weeks, with four different routes meeting in Indianapolis for a Eucharistic Congress. We talk to Will about the behind-the-scenes intricacies of coordinating this vast endeavor, from the careful orchestration of 65 dioceses to the pivotal roles of the young adult perpetual pilgrims. 

Will our country be open to what the Holy Spirit wants to do this summer?  

Find out more and how you can participate at https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/

For more about Modern Catholic Pilgrim and resources for local pilgrimage, visit https://www.moderncatholicpilgrim.com/