Athletics Chaplaincy at Providence College

Posted on July 7, 2026

The Athletics Chaplaincy supports Providence College student-athletes through opportunities for faith formation, reflection, service, and community. Through on-campus programming, team engagement, and pilgrimages like the Camino de Santiago, the program encourages students to grow spiritually while navigating the demands of collegiate athletics.

In Providence College Magazine:

Watch: Walking the Camino

In May 2026, student-athletes joined Rev. Dominic Verner, O.P., Ph.D., athletics department chaplain and assistant professor of theology, on a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, a centuries-old journey of faith and reflection. Pilgrims travel to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain, where tradition holds that the remains of the Apostle St. James are buried.

@provcollege In May, 11 Providence College student-athletes from four Division I teams joined Rev. Dominic Verner, O.P., Ph.D., assistant professor of theology and athletics chaplain, on a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Together, they walked more than 160 miles to the tomb of the Apostle St. James — embracing physical challenges, deepening their faith, and strengthening their connection as a team. This pilgrimage, made possible by college donors, was a powerful experience of prayer, reflection and community. #ForeverAFriar #ProvidenceCollege #FYP #GoFriars ♬ original sound – Providence College

We had such a transformative experience walking the way of St. James. It was physically demanding and an incredible stretch for the soul! We offered up the sacrifice of the pilgrimage for our loved ones, teammates, and benefactors, and each of us received many graces from God along the way.

Thank you to our generous supporters who sponsored pilgrims and made this life-changing pilgrimage possible for our athletes!

Rev. Dominic M. Verner, O.P., Ph.D.

Support the Athletics Chaplaincy Program

Camino de Santiago Photo Gallery

A group of people with backpacks and hiking poles pose in front of a large statue on a grassy hill. The sky is clear with a few clouds in the background. — The PC pilgrims posing with the pilgrim statue near O Cebreiro and the entrance to Galicia

A group of people smiling and posing for a selfie in an airport terminal. They are surrounded by chairs and other travelers in the background. Everyone appears prepared for travel with backpacks and luggage. — Fresh off the overnight flight to start the pilgrimage

A scenic view of a small town at sunset, with rooftops in the foreground and a backdrop of distant mountains. The sky is tinged with warm orange and pink hues. — Sunset view from Astorga, the starting city, of the mountains between the pilgrims and their destination.

Two people are smiling and standing next to a Camino de Santiago marker that reads "260,5 KM" with a yellow arrow and shell symbol. They are wearing backpacks and holding walking poles on a sunny day, with a road and countryside in the background. — The first kilometer marker leaving Astorga on the way to Rabanal del Camino

A group of people are walking on a country trail surrounded by stone walls and greenery. The sky is clear with wispy clouds. The path extends toward distant trees. — On the way to Portomarin

A group of people stand around the Iron Cross, a tall wooden pole adorned with ribbons and mementos on top of a pile of stones, along the Camino de Santiago. — Laying down stones and praying at the Cruz de Ferro

A group of five people smiling, standing on a scenic trail with rolling green hills and forests in the background. One person is wearing a white robe and carrying a backpack. It's a sunny day with a clear blue sky. — Stopped for a photo at the western edge of the Cantabrian Mountains

A group of hikers with backpacks walk along a dirt path in a lush, green landscape. A blue and yellow Camino de Santiago sign is visible in the foreground, featuring a scallop shell and an arrow pointing the way, with "León" written on it. Dense shrubs and trees line the path. — Onward and upward

The image shows a green hedge with a metal frame in front, adorned with numerous shoes, hats, and small items. The frame spells out "Santiago de Compostela." The ground is dirt, and the sky is partly cloudy. — The first sign welcoming the pilgrims to Santiago. A few pilgrims hung up their shoes!

A group of people posing in front of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, under a partly cloudy sky. Some are kneeling in front, while others stand behind. The cathedral's intricate architecture is visible in the background, with several other people walking around the plaza. — The final destination: the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela!

Athletics Chaplaincy programming

Meet the Athletics Department Chaplain

Rev. Dominic M. Verner, O.P., Ph.D.

Athletics Department Chaplain / Men’s basketball and field hockey / Assistant professor of theology

Rev. Dominic Verner, O.P. joined the Providence College community in 2016. A Dominican friar and Catholic priest, Fr. Dominic primarily serves the College as an assistant professor of theology, teaching courses in theology and the Development of Western Civilization program.

As Athletics Chaplain, he coordinates the team chaplaincy program, leads the student-athlete Bible study, and, together with the team chaplains, facilitates the spiritual development of Providence College student-athletes through guest speakers, service, and pilgrimage opportunities. In addition to serving as Athletics chaplain, Fr. Dominic is also the team chaplain for Men’s Basketball and Women’s Field Hockey.

Your generosity helps make transformative experiences like the Camino pilgrimage possible for Providence College student-athletes.

Support the Athletics Chaplaincy