The Walk - What Pope Francis Taught Me About My Calling
This past month, I took some time off — not for a trip or a big project like I had planned, but simply to pause and reflect. And something unexpected happened: I finally found clarity about my own vocation.
I’ve always juggled a lot of roles. Parish work, media work, creative projects. And honestly? I often felt torn between what I wanted to do and what I thought I should do as a priest.
But then came the sudden passing of Pope Francis. Listening to the stories of his life, especially how he followed his heart — even when people advised him not to — deeply moved me. His last act on earth was insisting on joining the faithful one more time on St. Peter’s Square, even though he was so weak. That choice to be with his people, to listen to that inner voice of the Spirit, hit home for me.
It made me ask myself:
Who are my people?
Where am I truly called to be present?
What am I still afraid to fully embrace in my mission?
The answer was clear, and honestly, it's been there all along. I’m called to be a pastor for the creatives, the geeks, the cosplayers, the storytellers, the dreamers. The people who often feel unseen by the church. The ones I feel at home with — because I’m one of them.
I’ve spent years half-apologizing for this focus, worrying that it wasn’t “priestly” enough. But this month, I realized: the only person holding me back was me.
Pope Francis reminded me that vocation isn’t about playing it safe or checking the right boxes. It’s about listening to where the Holy Spirit nudges you — even if it takes you off the beaten path. Especially then.
This month, for the first time, I feel at peace with my mission. Not because I finally “got it all together,” but because I stopped fighting it.
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47:54
The Walk - Saying Goodbye to Pope Francis — A Shepherd Who Changed My Life
When the news came that Pope Francis had passed away, I was surprised by how peaceful I felt. No panic, no sadness—just deep gratitude. Gratitude for a man who, without ever knowing me personally, changed my life as a priest more than anyone else has.
In this week’s podcast, I reflect on what Pope Francis meant to me—not as a celebrity or a headline—but as a father figure, a shepherd who showed me a different way of being a priest.
What struck me most about him wasn’t his position. It was his way of being:
Always close to the people, especially those at the margins.
Unafraid to show his own vulnerability and humanity.
Leading not with power, but with humility and tenderness.
Constantly reminding us: “Go, make some mess! Don’t play it safe.”
I share the story of standing on St. Peter’s Square the night he was elected, hearing that simple “Buona sera” that told me everything I needed to know about the heart of this Pope. I also talk about why, this time, I decided not to jump on a plane to Rome like I did in the past. Why my place right now is not in the Vatican media circus—but here, with you, sharing my memories and my gratitude.
This is not an analysis of his papacy. It’s personal. It’s about how Pope Francis gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone, to be a shepherd not just for those inside the church walls, but for everyone I meet—including the geeks, the gamers, the dreamers, the lonely.
If you’ve ever wondered what true leadership looks like—or if you’re struggling to keep hope alive in a messy world—I invite you to listen.
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44:40
The Walk - Where I Discovered the Joy of Easter
It’s spring. As I walked past the frontyards of my neighborhood, full of blooming tulips and roses, I couldn’t help but think: this is what Easter feels like. New life. New hope. The promise that no matter how dark the world seems, the light has already won.
This episode of the podcast turned out to be more personal than I expected. I reflect on a recent fantasy festival—its last edition at a fairytale castle. That event wasn’t just fun; it reminded me who I am and how far I’ve come.
I used to shy away from crowds, from conversations, from anything social unless I could hide behind a role. But something changed at that festival. Surrounded by cosplayers, artists, writers, and dreamers, I felt like I didn’t have to wear a mask. I could just be… me. And I was still accepted. More than that—I felt at home.
That feeling sparked something deep in me: a realization that real connection, real listening, real friendship—these are holy. This is where God lives.
Here’s what I talk about in the episode:
Why I skipped the Camino to make space for rest and reflection
How fantasy festivals became part of my priesthood
Discovering ministry not just in churches, but in conversations with geeks
The joy of telling other people’s stories—and the life it gives back
Why Easter is ultimately about relationships, not just rituals
I share moments that moved me deeply—like a wheelchair-bound writer full of hope, or a volunteer with autism who found freedom in cosplay. These aren’t just heartwarming side stories. They are Easter in action.
If you’ve ever struggled with being yourself, with feeling “enough,” or wondered how to make the world a little brighter—this one’s for you.
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42:27
The Walk - When the Future Feels Shaky, Do This
There’s so much uncertainty right now. The economy is wobbling, the headlines are overwhelming, and it feels like everything we counted on is shifting. I’ve definitely felt that weight. And if you have too, you’re not alone.
But here’s what I’ve discovered: you don’t need to fix the world to find peace.
Lately, I’ve been escaping to the woods. Not to run away, but to remember.
Out there, among trees that have seen decades of storms, I realize a few things:
I can’t control global events. But I can control where I spend my time and attention.
Doom-scrolling only feeds my anxiety. But walking, praying, or even just breathing deeply outside helps me feel human again.
My value doesn’t depend on how productive I am, how much money I make, or what my calendar looks like.
When the future feels shaky, it helps to go back to the basics:
Move your body – even a short walk helps.
Connect with others – even if it’s just reading birthday messages or checking in on a friend.
Create space for quiet – that's often where you hear what really matters.
Remind yourself what is in your control – your kindness, your attitude, your presence.
And above all: trust that you are not alone. Not in your fear. Not in your struggles. Not in your hope.
Jesus reminded his followers to look at the flowers, the birds—they don’t worry. And yet they are cared for. So are we. You are.
So if you’re feeling anxious about the future, I get it. I do too. But instead of spiraling, try this: go outside. Let go of what you can’t control. And reconnect with what you can.
The storm may be fierce—but we’re not powerless.
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37:07
The Walk - Camino
I wasn’t planning to walk another Camino.
Not this year. Not yet. But as I wandered through the woods this week, enjoying the first signs of spring, I felt that familiar pull. A quiet nudge that kept whispering: it’s time to walk again.
Last year’s trip to Ireland was amazing—but also exhausting. I told myself I needed a break from that kind of travel. And yet... I just found a Camino Primitivo guide in my mailbox (no idea who put it there), and everything suddenly clicked into place.
The Camino Primitivo is the original route to Santiago. It's shorter, but also harder—steeper, more remote. Still, something in me wants that challenge. Not just physically, but spiritually too.
When I walked the Camino Frances years ago, I didn’t realize how much it would change me. Not during the walk, but afterward. It took years to unpack what that journey had done. And maybe that’s the point. Sometimes, you just have to walk it first. The meaning comes later.
This time, I go with fewer expectations, but more trust.
If all goes well, I’ll start the Camino Primitivo in the second half of April. It won’t be six weeks—just two. But I believe it will be enough.
Because once you've walked the Camino, a part of you always keeps walking.
🎧 Want to hear more about how I made this decision—and what I hope to find on the trail? Listen to the full episode now.Want to support my online ministry? Join the community of friends that help me with a monthly donation: https://fatherroderick.com/join
A weekly walk with Fr. Roderick during which he shares his thoughts as a priest on the struggles and challenges as well as the joys and surprises of day-to-day life.
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