In Via

Venture with us down the storied paths of the Camino de Santiago as Kevin Banich,  principal of Roncalli High School and social studies teacher at heart, takes us through the history of this ancient pilgrimage.  Its history begins in Jerusalem with the Apostle James, but how do we end up in Spain? Tun in to find out.
 
We examine the milestones that marked its history: the discovery of St. James's tomb, the papal directives that codified the pilgrimage', and the majestic cathedral that awaits pilgrims at its conclusion. As with all pilgrimages, the story extends beyond a mere trek across Spain; it's a spiritual odyssey shared among strangers who become companions, a reflection on life distilled into moments of quiet amid a noisy modernity. Together, we explore how stepping out of our daily grind can lead to transformative self-discovery, the kind that only comes when we dare to follow ancient trails with open hearts and curious minds. 

In the latest episode, Dr. Timothy O'Donnell, beloved professor and current president of Christendom College, joins In Via for a captivating discussion. Together, we delve into the profound allure and historical richness of Rome as a pilgrimage destination. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and Dr. O'Donnell's scholarly expertise, we explore the deep connections between family, education, and faith, while contemplating the universal journey that binds us all.

From the sacredness of St. Peter's Basilica to the depths of the catacombs, Rome stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Catholic faith. Dr. O'Donnell and I trace the beginnings of the Church in Rome back to the martyrdom of Saint Peter. Our conversation bridges the gap between past and the present of the iconic city, acknowledging Rome's pivotal role in shaping the spiritual narratives that have resonated through generations.

Want to know more about Roman Pilgrimage?

This is Rome with Fulton Sheen by H. V. Morton
Roman Pilgrimage: The Station Churches by George Weigel
The Bones of St. Peter: The Full Account of the Search for the Apostle's Body by 
The Companion Guide to Rome by Georgina Masson
A History of Rome by Moses Hadas

As we continue our miniseries on the history of pilgrimage, we turn to Mike Aquilina, an author who brings the writings and lives of the early Church Fathers alive. In our conversation, we explore pilgrimage as imitation of Christ and the witness of the early saints in the Holy Land. We consider how we know the location of the Gospel sites and the power of oral tradition, entrusted to early Christians by figures like the Blessed Mother. With figures like Melito of Sardis, Jerome, Paula, and Eustochium, and the important diary of Egeria, the history of Christian pilgrimage in the Holy Land reminds us that when we walk these paths, we follow in the footsteps of Christ and His Mystical Body.

To find out more about Mike, visit: https://fathersofthechurch.com
To travel with Mike this November, visit: https://versoministries.com/departures/mike-aquilina-italy-pilgrimage-november-2024/


Recommended Reading by Mike Aquilina
The Fathers of the Church
The Apostles and Their Times
Seven Revolutions: How Christianity Changed the World and Can Change It Again
Good Pope, Bad Pope: Their Lives, Our Lessons

Want to know more about Greco-Roman Pilgrimage?
Pilgrim Diary of Egeria
Pilgrimage in Grego-Roman & Early Christian Antiquity by Jas' Elsner and Ian Rutherford
The Memory of the Eyes: Pilgrims to Living Saints in Christian Late Antiquity by Gorgia Frank

Join us as  we talk with Dr. Bergsma, a former Protestant pastor turned Catholic scholar, about the history of pilgrimage and how we got here.  Discover how Jesus Christ embodied the fulfillment of ancient Jewish feasts and how their rhythms harmonize with the Christian liturgical calendar.

We invite you to journey with us, uncovering the profound legacy of pilgrimage and its eternal call to draw nearer to the heart of God. Whether you're a seasoned pilgrim or simply curious about the connections between ancient traditions and modern religion, this episode offers an inspiring invitation to explore the transformative power of sacred journeys.

You can access Dr. John Bergsma and Dr. Scott Hahn’s free Lenten challenge Exodus and Exile  here.

Dr. Bergsma's books are available here, including Bible Basics for Catholics and 
A Catholic Introduction to the Old Testament by Dr. Bergsma and Dr. Brant Pitre

Come with us through the cobblestone pathways of Rome as Joan and her friend Jacob Stein, a Nebraskan turned Italian local, unveil the spiritual significance of the Roman station churches. With each step, we trace the footsteps of countless pilgrims throughout a storied 1600-year-old Lenten tradition, finding profound connections to the martyrs and the very roots of our faith. 

Imagine the early morning walks to churches like St. Paul's Outside the Walls, a commitment that is shared amongst American seminarians and priests who study in Rome and the global Catholic community that calls Rome home. Jacob's own transformative experience with a station church during a high school pilgrimage ignited a passion that he now aims to share with the world, bringing Rome's solemn Lenten journey to life through the stories, photos, and videos posted on his platforms. 

As we prepare for Easter, Jacob generously extends an invitation to a virtual tour of these hallowed grounds, an offering that complements our podcast with a visual embrace of Rome's holy spaces. In this time of Lent, we are reminded of the essence of fasting and the introspection it calls for. Let's walk this pilgrimage together this Lent, enriched by the history and beauty of Rome's station churches.

Jacob's work can be found 
www.RomanStationChurch.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz7lOHRSsZiDBig_2jFZGDw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruxstationalis/
Facebook: facebook.com/cruxstationalis

Why would a pastor include pilgrimage in his new pastoral plan? Join us as Father Thomas Haan shares with us what role he hopes pilgrimage will play in his suburban parish. We discuss the importance of encounter in religious formation, whether through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Eucharistic Adoration, or pilgrimage.

Listen as we share the transformative impact of pilgrimages, not only in awakening spiritual hunger but also experiencing  the transcendentals of goodness, truth, and beauty, and broadening our horizons. There can be many reasons not to take a pilgrimage, whether it's our schedules, finances, or fear. But don't you want to show the Lord you sought him with everything you had?

Walking for hundreds of miles on pilgrimage sounds like the best and worst thing - and that's what attracted Angie Bosio to the Camino. In this unique episode, Angie sits down with us before and after her journey! She shares what she expects to be the best and worst parts of the trip - and returns to tell us whether she was right. She also reveals why she was doing the "minimum" - tune in to find out whether she regrets that decision.

Fresh from the Way, Angie recounts not only her experiences, but more importantly, the lessons she took away from the journey. From the awe of the pilgrim Mass and the botafumiero's swing, to the interior battles and the community that formed from shared adversity, prayer, and acts of kindness, Angie gives testament to the Camino's transformative power.

Join us for a conversation that not only explores a particular Camino but also pulls out of the particular a greater understanding of life's grand Camino.

You can find Angie and her saint magnets at www.angiessaintmagnets.com and on IG at @angies_saint_magnets.

Join us as we talk with renowned art historian, author, and tour guide Liz Lev. Liz has been working as a guide in Rome and the Vatican for over 20 years - in this discussion, you'll quickly see why she's the most sought-after guide to the Vatican Museums.

We discuss the evangelizing power of beauty and the attempt to blunt that power (along with where the guilt lies for allowing that to happen!).  While looking at the difference between tourists and pilgrims, Liz reframes pilgrimage as a journey of love.  She also reveals her favorite places to take pilgrims in Rome and the tourist who changed her understanding of the Sistine Chapel.

We often think of Advent as waiting for the Lord to come, but perhaps we can also flip that image: rather than seeing it as waiting for the Messiah to find us, can we also see it as a journey for us to find the Messiah? This week's guest is Carolyn Pirtle, program director at the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. We look at the counter-cultural season of Advent, what it means to be in a posture of waiting, the work that happens in this time of preparation, and how we must train our eyes to recognize Christ. 

• To sign-up for the crèche calendar: mcgrath.nd.edu/creche
• Advent Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08Fg97d7QTLNuoyTq3A3Zq?si=d54917e0d0d042f7
• A Church Life Journal article describing each piece on the Advent playlist:
  https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/the-church-life-journal-sounds-of-advent-spotify-playlist/

Has the Holy Land been on your heart and mind in the past months? Join us for an in-depth discussion with our special guest, Jenna Streich, who called Jerusalem home while she studied abroad in 2018. Jenna's unique perspective and experiences shed light on the beauty that is the Holy Land, not just as a historical or tourist site, but as a vibrant community brimming with culture and people whose lives and communities today are as interesting and worthy of exploration as the Holy Land's ancient history.

We unpack some of the challenges and divisions facing the Holy Land currently, and Jenna encourages us to seek nuance and go further in our understanding of the conflict there today.  We also humanize the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reminding listeners of the innocent lives it affects. Jenna’s love of exploration, knowledge, and the immersive experience she had in the heart of the church will give you a deeper understanding of the Holy Land and its influence on those who dwell in it.

Finally, we invite you on a thought-provoking discussion about pilgrimages and the shared humanity it uncovers. We challenge societal structures that enable separation and dehumanization, urging everyone to recognize and address these issues as they are present in our own lives. Through Jenna's eyes, we explore the transformative power of pilgrimage, as pilgrims do not just pass through a place, but also allow that space to pass through them. Be prepared to broaden your perspective, and join us in prayer for peace in Jerusalem.