Father Sam Martin hosts Monsignor Richard Gilles, rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse, reflecting on Gilles’ farm upbringing, work ethic, and how working in the soil still grounds him spiritually, especially in the Easter season. Gilles describes accompanying catechumens and candidates through OCIA and the joy of the Easter Vigil, explains his pastoral principle “presence is truth,” and shares ongoing campus improvements, including replacing the plaza’s slippery granite pavers (beginning April 27) and offering more than 400 usable pavers to the public as historic keepsakes. He discusses the cathedral’s growth, emphasis on sacred liturgy, music, and hospitality, efforts to unite a multigenerational parish, downtown outreach with DMI, and devotion to St. Joseph. The episode also previews an 11-day Italy pilgrimage (Sept. 28–Oct. 8) and includes a discussion of the Third Sunday of Easter readings, focusing on the Emmaus journey, Christian “wayfaring,” longing, and recognizing Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

01:11 Farm Roots and Family

03:52 Work Ethic Lessons

04:37 Gardening as Therapy

08:24 Easter and OCIA Joy

11:34 Presence Is Truth

13:58 Plaza Pavers Project

18:24 Why Cathedral Is Growing

22:57 COVID Turning Point

26:37 St Joseph and Downtown Mission

30:42 Upcoming Italy Pilgrimage

32:00 Pilgrimage Expectations

32:24 Why Pilgrimage Transforms

34:22 Italy Highlights and Holy Sites

35:27 Studying in Rome

37:21 Rome City of Saints

38:29 Spiritual Influences

43:19 Cathedral Parish Love

46:09 Easter Readings

47:21 Emmaus On the Way

50:07 Disillusion and Hope

55:41 Hearts Burning Within

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