Contemplatives in the World

Protestant Missionary Becomes Surfing Catholic Priest


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From missionary kid to Catholic priest… with a surfboard and a passport full of stamps.

In this episode, David DiNapoli sits down with Fr. Scott Borgman, a priest of the Diocese of Orange whose journey into the Catholic Church is anything but ordinary.

Raised in a Protestant missionary family, Fr. Scott spent his early years in Africa, later lived and studied in Europe, and eventually found himself drawn—unexpectedly—into the Catholic faith. That journey led him to Rome, close to the heart of the Church, where he was formed intellectually, spiritually, and humanly before returning to serve the Church in the U.S.

Along the way, Fr. Scott has:

  • Served multiple popes
  • Studied at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
  • Worked in canon law and international settings
  • And yes… learned to surf in Southern California
  • But beyond the stories, this conversation touches something deeper: why so many people today are searching for meaning—and why the Catholic Church continues to draw converts who discover that Scripture, history, and sacramental life finally come together in one place.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that while Rome may feel far away, the formation that happens there has a real, lasting impact on parishes and communities around the world.

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    Contemplatives in the WorldBy David DiNapoli