The Fruit of Pilgrimage with Fr. John Nepil

In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints podcast, I sit down with Fr. John Nepil to explore the profound spiritual lessons that come from journeying through the wilderness—literally and figuratively. A priest of the Archdiocese of Denver and member of the Companions of Christ, Fr. John shares stories from his 486-mile trek along the Colorado Trail and the reflections that led to his new book, To the Heights and Unto Depths: Letters from the Colorado Trail.

We talk about how pilgrimage shapes our understanding of faith, the beauty of silence and solitude, and how adventure in the outdoors can act as a powerful metaphor for the interior life. Fr. John explains why the wilderness is a privileged space for Catholic formation and how community, challenge, and even suffering are vital to encountering Christ in a deeper way.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, someone feeling spiritually restless, or just curious about the intersection of nature, faith, and discipline, this conversation will inspire you to consider the road less traveled—especially during this Lenten season.

Topics Covered:

• How pilgrimage cultivates hope and detachment
• Why the mountains offer a unique setting for formation
• The spiritual importance of silence, stillness, and solitude
• Navigating the tension between comfort and sacrifice
• Building authentic community on the journey to holiness

📚 Get the Book: To the Heights and Unto Depths is available through Ignatius Press and wherever books are sold.
🎧 Listen to Fr. John’s podcast: Catholic Stuff You Should Know

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