In Via

To go on pilgrimage means to be open to surprises! In this episode, I chat with Rachel Gilman, the  director of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Rachel and I talk about her experiences both in Italy and on World Youth Day. We revisit Rachel's profound encounters with the churches, saints, and relics of Rome, plus the epiphanic moment she had in a quiet, empty church in Lisbon. 

Join us as we discuss the significance of being open to the small gifts from God and the lessons we learn when we listen to those little nudges from the Lord.

In this special edition episode, John Paul and Joan endeavor to discuss a complex and often volatile topic. This time last year, John Paul was living with his young family in Jerusalem.  This first hand experience gave him some unique views of the complex paradox that is Jerusalem - a land entwined with beauty and tragedy, death and resurrection. We also discuss Christianity's potential influence on fostering peace. We hope this episode will not only provide you with a fresh perspective on Jerusalem but also the profound lessons it imparts on coexistence and empathy.

This week, we're sitting down with Father Chase C.S.C., a Holy Cross priest and Dante scholar. In addition to hearing about Father Chase's experience on the Camino de Santiago, we'll delve into Dante's Divine Comedy. Can we say the Divine Comedy itself is a type of pilgrimage? 

Together, we'll traverse through Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso, understanding how life can derail, how we can reclaim our goodness, and ultimately, how to see God face to face. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we contemplate the mystery of life's journey, God's mercy, suffering, and the ultimate objective of becoming a homo comprehensor - seeing God face to face.

Can you imagine ever thinking losing your luggage might be a ... gift? Connect with us as we engage in a rich conversation with Taylor, a two-time World Youth Day pilgrim. She recounts her captivating experiences in Panama and Portugal, sharing moments of joy, reflection, and even hardship, all through a lens of faith and spiritual growth.

Taylor found a balance between joy and introspection, learning lessons from her challenges that forced her to rely on others. A personal highlight for her was a hilarious, unexpected "disco moment" at a Chinese restaurant, illustrating that even in moments of spiritual journeying, there is a place for laughter and bonding.

Now, with two World Youth Days under her belt, Taylor is setting her sights on Seoul, 2027. Taylor's story is proof that faith is not a solitary journey but a shared experience.

Have you ever wondered about the transformative power of a pilgrimage? Join Joan and Sylvia, a theology student from Marian University, as they unpack her pilgrimage to World Youth Day. 

Travel mishaps and disappointments can often derail our plans, but imagine allowing God to transform them into profound lessons of spirituality. Listen in as Sylvia describes her experience at World Youth Day, from being turned away from events to enduring travel delays, and how these seemingly unfortunate incidents led her to focus on God, ultimately strengthening her faith and understanding of sacrifice. It's a testament to how God can use our struggles to shape us and guide us on this path of spiritual growth. 

Ever wondered why people embark on pilgrimages? Is it just a religious vacation or is there a deeper purpose to it? In our latest podcast episode, John Paul and Joan delve into the essence of these sacred journeys, speaking to common misconceptions and highlighting the difference between a vacation and a pilgrimage. While a tourist may enjoy a vacation free of worries and responsibilities, a pilgrim embarks on a journey that requires emotional, spiritual, and psychological engagement. A pilgrimage demands something of us, pushing us beyond our comfort zones, and opens us to see God at work. 

What happens when the Lord actually answers a prayer on pilgrimage? In this first episode, Joan and John Paul explore the beginnings of Verso Ministries, a pilgrimage company, and how the Lord works when we're vulnerable and ask him to enter in.