Finding answers in the mountains and solace in the confessional

Take a look at this remarkably powerful conversion story and testimony to the goodness of God’s mercy found in the confessional.  The mountainscape makes me think of Blessed John Paul II as a young priest.

The story:

In the proposition of a 21st century life’s journey, how often do we Americans stop to appreciate a physical challenge and adventure? The first obstacle for Father John Nepil’s high school days was in fact over activism, a physical challenge in the Denver Colorado day to day grind; which far too often captures the soul of many Americans, rural and urban. Whether it is band practice, hockey, or the spelling bee in 5th grade, the pursuit of earthly victory often overshadows the race toward eternal victory in the culture. The hustle we find in the 21st century is not a light subject in today’s video. In fact, pursuing everything possible in high school eventually led to burnout, and other extracurricular activities that we shall not mention here, but he does in the video.

Eventually, the burnout in America was too much for this cradle Catholic. Enough was enough, so John Nepil and his friends ‘medicated’ by going outdoors as one option in high school. God’s blessings upon the state of Colorado are often reaped by it’s locals in the high country as we natives call the sacred tundra and crisp treeline (where Deer turn to Elk for all you non-natives). It was here, in mountains similar to the Italian Alps, where Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati ventured, and where Father John Nepil began to find answers to this life’s wild journey on the front line. By the end of this story from Father John Nepil, the essence of adventure is clear, resolute, and addicting, as proven by the crowd on top of Quandary Peak; a Colorado 14er that rises 14,265 feet above sea level.

Head on over to Onebillionstories.com to watch the beautiful video.