In a unique and inspiring initiative, the Diocese of Gallup in New Mexico is offering young men the chance to grow both spiritually and physically while building a lasting monument to faith.
The 2025 St. Kateri Rosary Walk internship program is accepting applications until March 31, and it promises to be an enriching experience for those eager to affirm their Catholic faith and contribute to a significant project in the American Southwest.
Building a Lasting Shrine to Our Lady and St. Kateri Tekakwitha
The St. Kateri Rosary Walk program, which began in 2019, is now in its final stages, with the construction of a chapel and an outdoor plaza in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
The program offers a rare opportunity for young men aged 18 and over to work on this important project while receiving free housing, meals, travel to local sites, and a stipend of $5,000 for their efforts.
Running from May to August 1, the internship is an immersive experience designed to shape the participants’ faith, leadership skills, and physical fitness.
William McCarthy, CEO of the Southwest Indian Foundation, which partners with the program, emphasized that it provides not only practical training but also a chance to foster manliness and Catholic faith for life.
A Unique Formation Experience
During their time in Gallup, interns live at the Sacred Heart Retreat Center, where they receive spiritual and academic formation.
Their days include physical labor to help build the Rosary Walk, as well as spiritual practices like daily Mass and prayer.
Interns also have opportunities to explore the local area, learning about the natural beauty and cultural traditions of the region.
McCarthy describes the program as a combination of physical, spiritual, and mentorship experiences.
“It’s a Catholic school of hard knocks,” he said, highlighting the challenges of living without electronics during the week, while allowing some personal time on Sundays.
The Legacy of St. Kateri Tekakwitha
The St. Kateri Rosary Walk pays tribute to St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, who dedicated her life to Christ despite enduring persecution from her own people.
Born in 1656 in what is now New York State, Kateri’s deep connection with nature and her life of prayer serve as a powerful example of faith.
The Rosary Walk is designed to reflect her spirit, with four trails representing the mysteries of the rosary, each featuring shrines made from traditional Southwest adobe construction.
A Spiritual Experience Grounded in Native American Traditions
Victoria Begay, interim director of the Rosary Walk and a member of the Diné (Navajo) people, explained that the project combines Native American reverence for creation with a strong Catholic faith.
The goal is to create a place where visitors from all over the world can experience profound spiritual growth while being immersed in the beauty of nature.
Situated on a hill overlooking Gallup, the site provides expansive views of the surrounding Navajo reservation.
Begay emphasized that the walk is intended to offer a space for reflection, prayer, and connection with God, much like St. Kateri’s own walks through nature.
A Transformational Experience for Participants
Joseph Meyers, a recent college graduate from Kansas City, Kansas, who participated in the program, shared that the experience was life-changing. “It’s still nourishing me to this day,” he said.
Over the course of two summers working on the Rosary Walk, Meyers developed lasting friendships, grew spiritually, and came out physically transformed.
Meyers pointed to the lack of distractions, including no phones or technology during the week, as a critical aspect of the program.
The demanding physical labor was paired with opportunities for spiritual growth, such as group prayer, Scripture study, and liturgies.
According to Meyers, the experience instilled a sense of brotherhood and helped the participants develop strong personal and spiritual foundations.
Lasting Friendships and Vocations
Meyers also shared that the program led to enduring friendships and even religious vocations among participants.
“We stay in touch, we’re tight,” he said.
“It’s good because it’s what you need: communities of guys who have serious bonds and help each other do good in the world.”
The St. Kateri Rosary Walk internship offers much more than just a construction project—it’s a transformative experience that blends faith, physical challenge, and personal growth.
Interested young men are encouraged to apply before the March 31 deadline for this life-changing opportunity.
How to Apply
For more information about the program and to submit an application, visit the official St. Kateri Rosary Walk website.
Don’t miss the chance to participate in a project that will not only strengthen your faith but also leave a lasting legacy in the American Southwest.