Celebrating Mass at the Peak: Denver Priest Holds Ceremonies Atop Colorado's Tallest Mountains

Father John Nepil, a Denver priest, has taken on a unique challenge - celebrating Mass on the summit of all of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks.
Embracing the Challenge
Colorado's tallest peaks hold different meanings for different individuals. For Father John, they are not just a physical challenge or a record to break; they are sacred spaces where he can express gratitude to God through Catholic Mass. His journey began while serving as a college chaplain in Boulder, where he noticed that many individuals were not drawn to traditional church services.
Finding Inspiration in the Mountains
Father John found that conducting Mass in the mountains resonated with a younger audience, sparking their interest and engagement. This experience led him to embark on a remarkable adventure - climbing all fourteeners in the state and celebrating Mass on each one of them.
A Spiritual Quest
Father John reflects on the profound connection between nature and spirituality, stating, "I loved just spending time in creation together. And then the conversation, the questions just naturally come, we're made to ask the deep questions, and being out of the city helps facilitate that." Accompanied by his friend and fellow priest, Father Sean Conroy, Father John's mountain Mass ceremonies have become a spiritual pilgrimage. Father Sean, who has joined the journey for three years now, shares his awe at experiencing divine presence at the top of Colorado's tallest peaks.
Embracing Spiritual Serenity
The priests emphasize that their goal is not to set records but to deepen their faith amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains. Father John highlights the significance of fostering relationships with God, nature, others, and oneself while being surrounded by the majestic peaks. "It's really about the relationships with God, relationship with creation, relationship with others, and then the relationship with ourselves," Father John explains. "All these things kind of come back into communion when we're up on the high peaks."
A Journey of Faith and Reflection
Celebrating Mass atop Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks is not just a physical accomplishment for Father John and Father Sean; it is a spiritual endeavor that strengthens their bond with the divine and the natural world. Each ceremony serves as a moment of profound connection, instilling a sense of peace and reverence in the hearts of those present.