posted 10/07/2025
This story is a part of a series of missionary contributions where you’ll hear more about their “why” for defending and celebrating life with Biking for Babies.
John was a first-year rider missionary from Wisconsin who was a part of the Nebraska team.
Give me a quick biography: who is John Francis?
JF: Hailing from northern Wisconsin, I am currently a Catholic seminarian (Configuration Stage) studying for the Diocese of La Crosse. Before seminary, I attended college at a state university (UW-Eau Claire) pursuing a degree in business and music. Throughout my time in school, I grew to recognize the calling to the priesthood the Lord put on my heart, and upon graduation I decided to enter seminary!
Was there a specific moment or event that made you passionate about the pro-life movement? How has your understanding of the dignity of human life developed through your Christian faith journey?
JF: I have always considered myself pro-life, but I don’t think it was until college where I started to experience the totality of what it means to live it out. I remember tough conversations I had with friends who were not pro-life that helped to bolster my conviction of the dignity of life at every stage. And concurrently with my faith journey, I have come to understand that the dignity of all human life is not dictated by a set of legislation but written on every human soul. A person does not have dignity because a law says so, rather, it is because we are created in God’s image. Our human laws must be in accord with the natural law God has bestowed upon us.
What initially drew you to Biking for Babies, and what were reasons you stuck it out anytime things got tough this year?
JF: I was first told about Biking for Babies by a fellow seminarian (now priest), Fr. Brad Grobbel. After praying about it, I felt the Lord affirming my interest in it so I decided to sign up! When formation and training became difficult, it was the specific prayer intentions from my PRC coupled with the redemptive suffering aspect that motivated me to continue on the journey. The mission was much bigger than myself!
What qualities or personal missions/charisms within yourself are enhanced or grown because of your formation with Biking for
Babies?
JF: As someone who is in formation for the priesthood, I thought the program gave me a chance to live the priest’s call of redemptive suffering for his people. The act of self-sacrifice on behalf of my team, the pregnancy resource center I was paired with, and the millions of mothers and babies, further helped me join my moments of suffering with Christ’s passion.
What was your favorite memory or experience from the formation program this year? What was your favorite thing about being a rider missionary?
JF: There was a lot of awesome memories, but riding on the Katy Trail through Missouri was a blast getting to pass through small towns all along the way! As a rider missionary, you really get to know your fellow riders well, and I was blessed with an awesome team this year. (Go Nebraska Team!)
How did the Lord work through your time with Biking for Babies this year, and what was the impact of this experience on how you live out your faith now?
JF: I think the Lord grew my capacity to love. Particularly during the National Ride, there were plenty of moments that he offered me a chance to love my fellow rider, the support team, the church volunteer, etc. at moments when I was not especially inclined to. It was humbling to fail at the call to love (many times) but I am so grateful the Lord allowed me so many opportunities during the ride!
You have a unique perspective as a seminarian right now. What about your time with Biking for Babies impacted you as a seminarian; do you see any long-term takeaways that will affect your future vocation (whatever God reveals it to be)?
JF: It was a privilege to be able to participate in Biking for Babies as a seminarian. I really felt I grew in the understanding of what it means to be pro-life. To see how these pregnancy resource centers truly empower women to choose life, and how they love both moms and their babies was beautiful to witness. The power of personal encounter is real, and I hope to live out the Gospel of life in my own ministry one day by advocating for these organizations.
Follow up question: what advice would you share with someone also actively discerning and in seminary about joining Biking for Babies, especially if they are on the fence due to the time commitment and integration of formation into your current state in life?
JF: I think Biking for Babies can be a great summer formation experience for seminarians, particularly because you tangibly face adversity and you get to live out the mission of the pro-life movement. You come face-to-face with many physical, psychological, and spiritual walls, and in that poverty the Lord can really work! Logistically, the National Ride is just a week over the summer, so it can be a great supplement to other programs or assignments you may get. It wouldn’t hurt to talk with your vocation director if you are interested!
Rapid fire: 1) what was your favorite National Ride snack? 2) what was your favorite stop for this year?, and 3) what’s the best music to listen while training?
JF: Shaq shaped gummies were a great snack. Favorite stop was in Atchison, Kansas, and I never listened to music while training!
John’s desire to live out redemptive suffering and grow in his capacity to sacrifice and love should help us all to strive to do the same. We hope that you, reader, are inspired to sacrifice and love more deeply!
We are proud that John is a Biking for Babies missionary, for life!
You can find similar impact stories throughout our blog.
