When Fr. Raphael Capo joined The Mark Swartzberg Show, he shared an inspiring look at how the National Eucharistic Revival is reaching hearts far beyond church walls, including in one of the most unexpected places: the gym.
As a National Eucharistic Preacher, Fr. Capo recently participated in a leg of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, accompanying pilgrims from Miami to New Jersey. Speaking at Holy Rosary Parish in Passaic, New Jersey, he encouraged Catholics to recognize that every encounter with Christ in the Eucharist sends us on mission. Whether at home, at work, or in the community, the Lord calls His followers to bring His presence into the world.
Fr. Capo has embraced that mission in a unique way. Known by many as the “bodybuilding priest,” he serves student athletes at St. Thomas University in Miami and sees fitness as an opportunity for evangelization. His message is simple: remain strong in body, mind, and soul for the sake of God’s Kingdom. Just as athletes need physical nourishment to compete, every Christian needs spiritual nourishment, especially the Eucharist, to persevere in the journey to heaven.
His ministry has produced remarkable fruits. By simply being present in the gym, working out alongside students, and wearing shirts featuring Scripture verses, he creates opportunities for meaningful conversations. Young people who might never approach a priest in a parish setting often feel comfortable asking questions in the gym. Those conversations frequently lead to deeper discussions about faith, prayer, and the sacraments.
One example involved a football player who felt drawn to the Holy Eucharist. Before games, Fr. Capo gathers the team outside the chapel for prayer and a brief reflection on Scripture. With the chapel doors open and the Blessed Sacrament present, players often feel drawn to pray before stepping out onto the field. For this young athlete, witnessing teammates pray before the Eucharist sparked a journey that is now leading him into full communion with the Church.
Fr. Capo reminded listeners that young people are not indifferent to God. They are searching, and many are simply waiting for someone to invite them closer to Christ. By boldly witnessing wherever we are, whether in a gym, a workplace, or a neighborhood, Catholics can become instruments through which others encounter the Lord.
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