In Via

Walking through Rome on the Seven Church pilgrimage offers deep encounters with saints and history while following in St. Philip Neri's creative footsteps of evangelization. Father Jonathan Meyer leads us through this walk while sharing his knowledge of Rome's basilicas, catacombs, and traditions from his years of study there. Learn: • How St. Philip Neri reformed Rome in the 16th centur...

What makes St. Peter’s Basilica more than just the biggest church in the world? In this Jubilee Year episode, Joan talks with Fr. Matthew Kuhn, a former tour guide, about the sacred architecture, deep symbolism, and unexpected beauty that make St. Peter’s not just visually grandiose, but full of meaning. They discuss everything from the Pietà to the Baldacchino, and from the foot-worn statue of St...

What lies beneath the world's largest church? Venture with us into the underground excavations known as the Scavi, where family tombs, ancient graffiti and the bones of a first-century man converge into one of Christianity's most remarkable archaeological discoveries. Father Tom Szydlik, a former Scavi tour guide and priest of the Diocese of Peoria, takes us on a captivating journey thro...

(While we recorded this episode prior to the Holy Father's death, the conversation remains relevant - especially our last reflection on Jubilee events without a Holy Father, so listen until the end!) The Holy Doors are open, and pilgrims from around the world are discovering the transformative power of Rome's Jubilee Year. In this revealing conversation, Joan and Jenna share their firsth...

Christine Wohar takes us deep into the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as we anticipate his long-awaited canonization this summer during the Jubilee Year of Hope. As Executive Director of Frassati USA, Christine shares the fascinating story of how this young Italian man who died at just 24 years old continues to captivate Catholics worldwide with his remarkable ordinariness. Born into a prom...

Step into the inspiring world of Carlo Acutis, a modern-day saint whose life story beautifully intertwines faith and technology. In this episode, we explore how Carlo became a beacon of hope and relatability for youth today. With heartfelt stories shared by our guest, Katie Prejean McGrady, we discuss how Carlo exemplifies the joy of living one's faith authentically in the ever-evolving lands...

The interns take over the podcast! In this special first episode of In Via, Verso Ministries' interns Olivia and John turn the tables on Joan to interview her about the Jubilee Year. Step into the sacred history of the Jubilee with us as we delve into this 725 year-old tradition. In this episode, we're not just exploring the significance of the Jubilee; we're delving into what it me...

This week, we sat down with Sue Montalbano, the previous coordinator of tours and hospitality at the University of Notre Dame’s Sacred Heart Basillica. Get ready to uncover the hidden stories behind the thousands of visitors welcomed to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame.  From her stories of spontaneous visitors to the organized chaos of football weekends, Sue shares...

In this episode, we’re circling back with award-winning writer and artist Ben Hatke to check in after his round-the-world adventure. 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. In our conversation, Ben shares about some emotional moments, like the last few miles on familiar railroad tr...

Ever wondered how a pilgrimage could transform your life? Meet Danielle Schmitz and Matthew Heidenreich, two inspiring young adults who embarked on the Eucharistic Revival's National Eucharistic Pilgrimage across the United States. This episode of In Via uncovers their emotional and spiritual journey, starting from the initial application process through the summer of their walk with Jesus. T...

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 b...

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, reflectin...

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 th...

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...

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 journ...

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 betwe...

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. Disc...

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...

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 s...

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...

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&a...

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,...

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 Christ...

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...

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 m...