Verso l'Alto
Welcome to Verso l'Alto, Faith on the Field Podcast. Join Fr. Burke Masters, priest of the Diocese of Joliet and chaplain to the Chicago Cubs and Bishop James Wall of the Diocese of Gallup, while they explore the Catholic Faith through Scripture, the saints, and the thrill of sports.
Episodes
49 episodes
When Life Throws You a Knuckleball: Faith, Loss & Forgiveness
A conversation on being ready to meet God, and why forgiveness is a constant practice.Mike's son Donovan's speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=tfDqnhpEtO8Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with p...
An Interview with Archbishop Paul Coakley and Bishop James Conley
Plus: a look at how to engage in fraternal correction.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Win the World, Lose Your Soul
A discussion of baseball standings, good spiritual books, and kids with smartphones.Books mentioned:"The Lamb's Supper" by Scott Hahn: https://catholic.market/books/the-lambs-supper-the-mass-as-heaven-on-earth-paperback/"Con...
Jon Paul Morosi and the Keys of the Kingdom
A conversation with the sports reporter about memorable athlete encounters and the importance of the Papacy.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Broken, Not Beaten: Finding Strength in Christ
Baseball, the Japanese art of "Kintsugi", and the Canaanite woman who followed Jesus.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Baseball trades, a heart-stopping lifeguard rescue, and walking on water.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Future Saints, and One Big Miracle
How athletes can find identity beyond the game, and the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Trading for Treasure
Final World Cup thoughts, baseball trades, and a look at the parable of the "Pearl of Great Price".Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
From Exit Velocity to Eternal Victory
Catching up on the World Cup and baseball, and a look at the upcoming parables of the mustard seed, weeds, and leavened bread.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Seeds, Scores, and Salvation
Catching up on the World Cup Round of 8, summer travels, and the Parable of the Sower.Catholic Sports Camps: https://www.catholicsportscamps.orgTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Invitation, Imitation, Celebration
A discussion on supporting kids in sports, World Cup predictions, and the meaning behind Jesus' use of yokes and burdens.Catholic Sports Camps: https://www.catholicsportscamps.orgTheme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with...
Peace, Points, and a Prophet's Reward, with Wimbledon tennis competitor Caroline Dolehide
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney welcome guest Caroline Dolehide for a conversation on how to maintain faith and mental fortitude while competing at the highest athletic levels.Links:https://www.carolinedolehide.com/donate...
From the Diamond to the Pitch: Baseball, World Cup, and the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney discuss the NBA Finals, the World Cup, and laying down your life to follow Christ.Links:Enthronement of the Sacred Heart:https://files.kofc.org/download/assets/Enthronement+Booklet/541498da...
Nats, Tats, and Tribes, with guest Trevor Williams
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney speak with Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams about his MLB career and Catholic faith.Links: Sing the Hours: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MvuGtXFIbfej3dz8cKBVpTheme song: "Roc...
Let's Get Real
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney discuss the controversial Nationals' interview about Trevor Williams, the Mendoza Line in baseball, and the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used w...
An Interview with NFL Hall Of Famer John Lynch, GM of the San Francisco 49ers
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney are joined by former NFL player and current 49ers GM John Lynch for a discussion on how his Catholic faith shapes his approach to sports.Prayer to the Holy Spirit:"Come, Holy Spirit, fi...
God's Walk-Off
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney make NBA finals predictions, look at the latest standings from a wide range of sports, and explain why you should never be afraid to sing at Mass.Links:https://chadtracker.liveTheme...
Going, Going, Gone
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney discuss Kyle Schwarber's home run streak and how God's mercy extends to even the worst of sinners in the sacrament of Confession.Links mentioned:https://www.praymorenovenas.com/our-lady-of-...
Honest Play, Holy Fire
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney discuss the Kentucky Derby, classiness in golf, and the importance of the Holy Spirit.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Diamonds, Drafts & Deacons
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney examine the NFL Draft and institution of the diaconate.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
Slumps, the Spirit, and the Shepherd
Bishop Wall, Fr. Burke, and Mike Sweeney catch up on their favorite MLB/NBA teams and discuss the significance of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.Theme song: "Rock Star" by John Ehrich. Used with permission.
From Augusta to Emmaus
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney discuss the Masters Golf Tournament, MLB standings, and the disciples' encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus.Jo Adell's crazy catches: ...
Mercy, Madness & the Masters
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney talk baseball and golf, discuss the role of father in a family's faith life, and explain the significance of Divine Mercy Sunday.Useful links:
First Pitch, Final Four and Final Victory
Bishop Wall, Fr. Masters, and Mike Sweeney analyze the crazy UConn vs. Duke game, baseball's opening games, and why Easter is the most important day in the Church calendar.To see the video/picture discussed in this episode, visit: <...