He Rode Into the Mountains and Discovered What Every Catholic Man Needs
A motorcycle journey through mountains, fires, prayer, and daily Mass reveals why faith was never meant to be lived alone.
Faith on the Open Road
Where does one begin when reflecting on a week and a half of riding (so far), prayer, brotherhood, and the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation?
An Unexpected Beginning
Our journey began with an unexpected delay. Bishop Scott was awakened at 4:00 a.m. with news that the Canadian Armed Forces had issued a document directing chaplains and military personnel to take a secular humanist approach in public-event reflections, excluding references to God. The bishop spent the morning working with his counterparts across Canada to discern an appropriate response, and we eventually departed about three hours later than planned.
That delay, however, became part of God’s providence. Later that day, we stopped at the cabin of one of our board members. There, together with his family, we celebrated Mass and shared the Eucharist. They then welcomed us to lunch. It was a beautiful gift—and a powerful reminder that the road is made richer by the people God places along it.
The Mass Gave Meaning to Every Mile
As we continued along the road less travelled, winding through beautiful landscapes, we celebrated daily Mass. Day after day, the responses became more unified. Even with my singing, our voices began to sound like a genuine offering of worship to our holy God. The Mass gave shape and meaning to every mile.
We spent two nights at a vineyard, where we were reunited with a man I had met at the Kelowna men’s conference. He had hoped that his son would be with him at the conference, but illness had prevented him from attending. It was a blessing to spend time with them again and to celebrate Mass at their vineyard.
A Rooster Crowed During Mass
There, the words of the liturgy seemed to come alive with the words fruit of the earth and work of human hands was present right before us. As Mass was being celebrated, a rooster crowed in the distance. I could not help but think of Peter—and of the many times I have denied or failed Jesus. Yet Christ continues to come to me, offering Himself even though I am unworthy to have Him enter under my roof.
Through Smoke, Mountains, and 99 Miles of Curves
Our ride continued through some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. We passed through winding roads and wine country, making our way toward Hope, British Columbia, where First Blood, the original Rambo film, was shot. Although we were able to avoid the fires, smoke surrounded us for much of the journey.
We then travelled through the Cascade Mountains of Washington, along some of the most beautiful roads a rider could experience, before arriving at Palouse Falls. A recent fire had passed through the area, leaving behind a landscape that looked almost post-apocalyptic. The following day, we rode the Lolo Pass, with more than 99 miles of curves and some of the most extraordinary scenery on the road.
You Never Know What’s Around the Next Bend
All those curves and corners brought a deeper reflection on life. We never know what is waiting around the next bend. The road can change quickly, and the future is often hidden from view. Yet riding with brothers who have your back gives new meaning to the promise: no man left behind.
If one rider has a problem, the entire group has a problem. He is not left alone. The same must be true in the journey of faith. Every man needs brothers who will stand with him, support him, pray for him, and help him keep moving forward.
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FEATURE
The Gift of Genuine Brotherhood
The trip included slow traffic, construction, delays, gravel roads, and unexpected challenges. But every delay was easier because we were travelling with men who cared for one another and watched over one another. That is the gift of genuine brotherhood.
Carrying Your Prayers Across the Mountains
One of the great highlights of this journey has been carrying your prayer intentions with us. We have also gathered new intentions along the way by speaking with waitresses, fellow travellers, and the people we meet, praying for all those affected by fires; evacuees and those facing loss of home and means to make a living. When given the opportunity, people are eager to share what they would like us to bring before God.
Each day, we offer these intentions at Mass. It is a powerful experience to know that your prayers are being carried across the highways and mountain passes and placed before the Lord at the altar. We have also been praying rosaries and the St Joseph, Terror of Demons - DECEM Novena, asking his protection and intercession for all these intentions.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Recently, two Scripture passages have accompanied our journey. One reminds us that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. The other recounts Peter stepping out of the boat to walk toward Jesus—and then beginning to sink when he took his eyes off the Lord.
These readings speak directly to the road of life. We do not know what lies around the next corner. We cannot control every delay, danger, or unexpected turn. But we can choose where we place our trust.
Have faith that the Lord loves you, protects you, and watches over you. And have faith in the strength that comes from travelling with brothers who are committed to walking—and riding—the journey with you.
The Heroic Men Pledge
That is why we invite every man to take the Heroic Men pledge:
Every day, I will pray to draw closer to God and lift up three men by name.
Every week, I will connect with one man.
Every month, I will invite one man to join me in this pledge.
This is how brotherhood grows. This is how men are strengthened. This is how no man is left behind.
Trust Him Around Every Corner
As we continue down life’s winding road, may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trust Him around every corner, and remain faithful to the brothers He has placed beside us.
Prayer Request on Motorcycle Ride
From July 30 to August 18, a segment of our team will traverse thousands of miles on motorcycles through Western Canada and the western United States. We would be grateful to carry your prayer intentions with us.
Please send us your requests, and we will lift them in daily Mass with Bishop Scott McCaig and Fr. Mariusz, praying rosaries as we ride along the open road.
