Do you know the transformative power of nature in nurturing your spiritual growth?
In a recent episode of The Catholic Gentleman, hosts John Heinen and Sam Guzman sat down with wilderness expert and Catholic priest Fr. Kenneth LeBlanc.
Fr. LeBlanc shared his incredible conversion story about how a hermit helped lead his family to Catholicism.
He expressed that nature serves as a constant reminder of God's intimate love for us, calling it a “love letter from God,” and emphasized the importance of silence as a conduit for connecting with God.
"The silence in nature is amazing. It helps me to think about spiritual life and the pilgrim's journey."
In today's world of pervasive technology, the trio discussed how unplugging and exploring the wilderness can nurture physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
"In nature, we're only pilgrims through this world and we're not here to stay. We have to journey through it, so we can't have this huge backpack that will wear us out and weigh us down with attachments."
Fr. LeBlanc believes that men can find clarity and purpose in their lives through nature by practicing detachment and simplicity.
“Nature teaches us detachment--to carry only what we actually need and throw away what we don't need. It brings me closer to God; it helps my prayer."
Fr. LeBlanc revealed his initiative to organize spiritual exercises and retreats for men.
He said that men are deeply spiritual, requiring organization and challenge to foster their spiritual growth. Moreover, he is keen on encouraging fathers to delve deeper into their vocations.
"Men like to be challenged and do something extreme. At our camps, we have a track just for dads, where they study what it means to be a husband, a father, and go deeper in their vocation.”
Through silence and detachment from technology, men are challenged to find personal and spiritual development, discovering clarity and purpose in their lives through reconnecting with the natural world.
As Fr. LeBlanc beautifully summed up, "The beauty of nature is a gift from the Creator. It's a love letter. Everything is a love letter from God."
Take a moment today to unplug from technology, embrace the silence, and reconnect with the natural world. It's a love letter from God waiting to be read!