Gus is joined by Fr. John Nepil, a priest in the Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado and the author of a new book from Ignatius Press entitled “To Heights and Unto Depths: Letters from the Colorado Trail.” A couple of years ago, Fr. John, who in addition to being a priest is a mountaineer, set out to traverse the entire Colorado Trail, which spans nearly 500 miles, and say mass atop the 58 Colorado mountain peaks with summits that exceed 14,000 feet. He shares with Gus and listeners the spiritual experiences and benefits he received from that and how they can to. He also shares his vocation story and his current priestly ministry.
Also, Dr. Matthew Bunson of EWTN News calls in to talk about several news items of Catholic interest, including the latest health update of Pope Francis now in his 33rd day in Gemelli Hospital battling double pneumonia. Though he continues to battle it, his prognosis has improved greatly and is no longer required to wear an oxygen mask while sleeping. They also talk about the recent Vatican announcement of an “Ecclesial Assembly” in 2028, which will be a continuation of the Synod on Synodality’s implementation. He and Dr. Bunson attempt to explain what this is, but that it’s not a synod, although it sure sounds like one. Also, on the pro-life front, the State of Delaware has halted the enforcement of a controversial law that would require crisis pregnancy centers to display a notice on site and in print and digital advertisements that state they do not have licensed medical professionals on staff, even though many of them do. They also talk about a pro-life group called Walking with Moms in Need, a nationwide parish-based initiative that works “to increase outreach and support to pregnant and parenting mothers in need.”
Also, today would’ve been the 66th birthday of Gus’ oldest sister Phyllis who died 10 years ago. He does a loving tribute to her and talks about how beautiful and popular she was as a teenager. She was the life of the party, but, unfortunately at a young age, she developed an affinity for alcohol that led to her becoming an alcoholic and leading a very difficult life. She went through rehab several times but was always overcome by the addiction. Despite all this, she still remained a kind and loving human being.
And Bob Dunning calls in for his weekly segment and talks with Gus about today being the first day of Spring, March Madness and more and Gus reads and reflects on Thomas a Kempis' "Imitation of Christ" as part of his daily Lenten offering.
Mr. Lloyd, recently I was hospitalized with incredible tooth and mouth pain. After 2 days of treatment it went away. My dentist told me that the pain was a result of my continual grinding. I have done damage to caps and tooth roots. He wanted to replace my teeth for third time.
This I can’t afford nor would do because my grinding would destroy the new teeth like it did in the past. Three weeks later the pain returned. I did everything and prayed to ever know saint that I have been familiar with. The out of the blue I asked help from the Priest called Blessed from Detroit. I forgot his name, Blessed Fr. Casey. I asked for his help in asking Mary and the Holy Trinity to come to my aid. In a matter minutes the pain was leaving my mouth and it has not returned.