Muscular Catholicism: Strong Arm of The Church

           In the past year or two I have had the incredible opportunity to meet some of the most amazing men in the Catholic world today. All with their own talents and passions but two things unite every single one of us, that being the love of the unforgiving, unrelenting, beautiful Iron and the all-encompassing, ever-loving, masculine Catholic Church. Though many might misunderstand the world of sweat and muscle, these men have an unspoken bond, a cohesive vision of what it means to desire perfection. Crying out to those within and out of The Church to appreciate their health while never pointing finger at those who don't. Creating a motivational arm of our Faith in which those God brings into their lives extract the passion to live life to the fullest. These men are not afraid of their masculinity, instead they embrace it with divine, reckless abandon. They see their time in the weight room as a just and rightful extension of their ever growing knowledge of our Lord and a deepening of their spiritual lives. These men veritably want to be the superheroes they grew up watching, the heroes whose might and muscles were as large and strong as their characters. 

           One of the most interesting aspects of our visits was how quickly a deep friendship grew. One of the beauties of our Catholic Faith is that it unites those from different backgrounds into one, common people, never leaving their culture or interests behind but intertwining the truths of The Faith within their own selves. So I know that a large factor in these growing friendships was due to our love of Christ and His Church. Though I must admit that I have met many others who are just as devout yet the authentic coalition didn't delve as deeply. When diving into the difference of these new acquaintances and many of the others that I have met I realized that between our love of Catholicism and our love of the Iron there was an instant esteem and respect for one another on a level that usually takes men years to create. I firmly believe that our union of blood, sweat and tears for Christ and the bodies He granted us with, allowed for instantaneous harmony of wills. We all understand what internal warfare is and love the truly Catholic ideals of sacrifice, devotion and dedication. The harsh conditions of calloused hands and sore muscles united us as brothers in warfare. Each of them with their own talents, backgrounds, and stories yet the passion for health and fitness united us eternally.

         My friend Kevin Vost, whom I have never had face-to-face time with but have had several conversations over the phone and e-mail, is a Mensa society, ex-atheist, with a passion for The Church, philosophy, the power of the mind and deep theological thought. When I asked him if he would be willing to write a foreword for my book he barely hesitated and the rest is history. He has had first hand experience with the great Mike Mentzer and has a wealth of experience and knowledge about the human body and its capacities. An inspiring renaissance man of today, Kevin has been spreading the message of fitness for many years.

         Fr.  Rafael Capo, who I had the pleasure of working out with, is a Piarist priest dedicated to the Hispanic mission through the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI). He is a lifetime bodybuilder and trains with some of the men competing on stage in Miami. Our long conversation was riddled with the beauty of training and why the message of faith and fitness must grow in the Catholic world. Willing and able to talk theology with anyone, his massive presence alone generates respect by those in the gym. Built like the Hulk but profoundly gentle in nature I am convinced that his witness effects many.  

         Fr. Steve Grunow of Word on Fire Ministries, a man after Christ's own heart, is a devoted fitness guru convinced that physical exercise can change lives. He and I competed in a historical death match in the guise of pull-ups and chin-ups, soon to be viewed by the masses thanks to the amazing team over at Word on Fire. Speaking with him and being blessed with a private Mass in his hotel room impacted me deeply. His profound wisdom and deep holiness has made him into a St. Bernard of Clairvaux for the 21st century.

        Lastly, my most recent acquaintance was Matt Gordon, a self-supporting Benedictine Oblate Hermit. Also known as Brother Donkey, a name chosen for laughs and seriousness, he is a man among men. He has a history of professional wrestling from which the fire and passion can be seen gleaming in his eyes as we discussed many topics, ranging from good literature to Thomas Aquinas to the many different martial arts around the world. Benedictine in spirit and personality but a hardcore crusader at heart, Matt personifies grace and strength.  

       Thanks to Divine Providence I was blessed and honored to be associated with these men. They are inspiring and motivating, each with their own talents and gifts but one congealed passion. A passion for Truth and strength. These men have sacrifice for breakfast and dedication for dinner.

Who motivates you to hit the gym and to grow in your relationship with Christ? 
Leave a comment below with your answer.
- A winner will be chosen at random for a free, signed copy of my book 'The Ten Commandments of Lifting Weights'