In Via

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

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.

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

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/

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