In Via

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. Peter to the quiet presence of Eas...

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 through the hidden necropolis ...

(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 firsthand impressions after mult...

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 prominent family, Pier Giorgio...

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 landscape of modern life. 

Through powerf...

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 means to be a pilgrim of hope, embraci...

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 how she managed voluntee...

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 tracks, and his adventurous ...

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. Travel with them along the Marian ro...

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.&quo...

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, reflecting on the spiritual enrichment and p...

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 the New Testament and align ...

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 shares his fascinating jo...

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 journey. His adventure started by leavin...

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 between academic theology and the Church...

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 ...

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 Revival.

This episode isn...

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 such as St. Thomas Becket, exploring...

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 orchestration of 65 dioceses to th...