By Jeanni Ritchie
Backpacker Joe’s story started flooding my Facebook feed the minute he hit Natchez. People were excited to catch a glimpse of this young man trekking across our country on a personal prayer pilgrimage.
He was a Christian Forrest Gump and Louisiana laid out the welcome mat.
Meeting up with him after the 4 p.m. Vigil Mass at the downtown St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, I listened as he shared his story with many parishioners. He prayed and took photos in the vestibule, just as he had after mass at Our Lady of Prompt Succor earlier that day.
Attending masses in the cathedrals in cities he passes through is a big part of Joe’s journey, one begun at the Statue of Liberty five months ago. His origin was planned; it mirrored a parallel journey his Sicilian ancestors had taken from Ellis Island. He had specific sites in New Jersey, Alabama, and Maryland he wanted to visit. Kentucky wasn’t on the list but we discovered we’d both spent time at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky.
Over a shared platter and quick tutorial on crawfish peeling at Tunk’s Cypress Inn, he told me more of his story.
The idea of walking across the country, praying for our nation and its communities, didn’t spring up overnight. In fact, Joe often waits out crazy ideas in his head to be sure they are God. The moment I heard that, I knew our meeting was divine providence. My mind needs decluttering as often as my desk does.
Trust in divine providence is one of Joe’s intentions as he crosses the country. Reparation for his own sins is another. Praying for the country is the third.
It is here where citizens join in. Joe has prayed in parking lots, churches, and on the side of the road. People drive around looking for a sighting and share photos when they catch up with him. #backpackerjoe is trending nationally and online sighting groups have popped up for people to share this journey.
This started when he arrived in Natchez. Karla Brown, who’d carried a cross across the country 22 years ago, had heard about the story and quickly sprang into action. Covering his story initially on her personal page, it was shared over 1000 times and garnered much response.
People wanted to help!
Like Piper Pearce, 7, and her mother Jennifer. I met them at a donation drop-off spot before my interview. They admired Joe’s journey and wanted to thank him with a gift. Seeing mother and daughter sowing seeds of goodness reminded me of long ago motherhood and warmed my heart.
This generosity has been shown to #backpackerjoe throughout his journey but nothing compared to what happened once reached Natchez. The true spirit of the South enveloped this former EMT and firefighter. Joe was on a mission much greater than himself, and residents responded mightily.
I watched my beloved hometown come together. I saw friends and former students tagging #backpackerjoe in photos and calls and messages came in asking me where they could donate. My search for hotel room funding was quickly ended by a friend with a magnanimous personality.
“He will stay here in our pool house.” You don’t argue with a Southern woman when she makes up her mind and Belle Chatelain is no exception. We would head to her house as soon as dinner ended.
First, we had to peel tails and suck heads! Midway through, I asked for his assessment. “I love this experience, but it’s a lot of work,” All good things require a little work both in the Kingdom and Cajun cuisine. Deeming it worthy of the time spent fighting hard crustacean shells for that juicy morsel of meat, Joe relayed stories of growing up in the restaurant business. His mother has a restaurant not far from where he grew up in Indiana.
It was only natural that we’d talk about his mother. The mother in me trumps the reporter every time.
“What does your mom think about all this?”
“She’s completely supportive.”
“Was she not worried in the beginning?”
“Oh, she was definitely concerned.”
I laughed. Joe is about to turn thirty. I have three kids older than him and one younger. Mothers never stop worrying about their children no matter how old they get.
“We made an agreement.” I was anxious to hear; my son signed one at four promising to never ride a motorcycle. I’m not sure if he’s in breach of that contract or not. I decided to make sure Joe was honoring his promise instead.
“Yes. I text my mom every time I turn my phone to let her know I’m okay.”
That’s once or twice a week because Joe purposefully has an older flip phone. He doesn’t always have it charged and it has no smart technology. After all, distraction is one of the specific idols he’s praying against. Using my phone for work, I know how quickly I can lose focus and attention every time I pick it up. Watching Joe’s simplified life for a magnified calling was inspiring.
After RPSO officer Jay Slayter recognized Joe on our way out of the restaurant, he was quickly ushered over to the kitchen to meet owner Scotty Thiels. Joe shared his childhood restaurant experiences and how much he’d enjoyed dinner. We then headed to his hosts’ home for the evening.
The next couple of hours were a true blessing, connecting with friends old and new. I left Joe in good hands, and he was their guest at Calvary the next morning. A last-minute decision to attend services at my childhood church had me sitting between Joe and Piper Pearce in a way that only the Master could’ve orchestrated. Calvary was as welcoming as the Cathedral, and I was blessed to have been in attendance. After a lunch of grilled steaks with his hosts, #backpackerjoe headed toward Natchitoches. Based on the number of messages I’ve received today the red carpet has been rolled out for his journey all the way through Shreveport.
From Shreveport, Joe will go to Texas, Oklahoma City, and Colorado. His exact route is undetermined, but Servants of Christ Jesus in Denver is the next confirmed destination. His final stop will be a site in San Francisco. He anticipates ending his journey next January.
In the meantime, Facebook groups are popping up where people can post their #backpackerjoe pics. Birthday cards and gift card donations will be collected through Friday to bring to Joe for his 30th birthday. A scrapbook has been started with messages and photos that will be delivered to his mother’s restaurant prior to his return next year. This inspiring journey is one to watch for. This young man is out to change the world, one community at a time.
Birthday and gift cards will be collected through February 23:
KP Jewelers
c/o Keith Patton
4005 Jackson St.
Alexandria, LA 71301
Red River Bank
c/o Blake Chatelain
1412 Centre Court
Alexandria, LA 71301
Messages and photos of Joe’s journey may be mailed to:
c/o Backpacker Joe
1620 Audubon Dr.
Alexandria, LA 71301
Jeanni Ritchie is a mental health journalist from Louisiana who often blends pop culture with faith.
