To help lead this mission, we’re thrilled to welcome Monica Markovich as our new Chief Operating Officer.
With a passion for Catholic pilgrimage and a deep commitment to forming pilgrims through global experiences of faith, Monica brings both strategic leadership and a heart for the Church. In this interview, we explore her vision for Verso, insights on leadership, and hopes for the future of Catholic pilgrimage.
Before we talk about your new role as COO, tell us a little about yourself—what are a few things people might not know about you?
I’m mother of 5, including 4 at home and one in heaven, and have been married to my husband for 15 years. We also have a 105lb dog named Bosco. Our family is really active and particularly loves hiking and other outdoor adventures and tries to vacation at a National Park as frequently as possible. Last summer we decided to do something completely out of our norm and took a two week pilgrimage to visit our dear friends in Spain and visit the homes of St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, St. Teresa of Avila, and Lourdes. It’s too hard to name a favorite Saint, but my favorite color is yellow and my favorite flowers are zinnias.
What excites you about serving as COO of Verso Ministries?
Our world is becoming more divisive and isolated despite our increasing ability to connect virtually. We are made for communion, both with God Who made us and is Himself communal and with each other. Pilgrimages are an opportunity to remember this about ourselves and begin to live it once again. The mission of Verso and the work of bring people on pilgrimage is more necessary than ever.
What experiences in your past have best prepared you for this role in Catholic pilgrimage?
My undergrad is in Theology and my Masters is in Public Finance, which has always struck people as an odd mix. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to combine these roles in significant operational and financial capacities. It feels as if each role has prepared me not only for the next, but also specifically for this role of growing and improving the operational efficiencies of a small but growing ministry. While the specifics for each role differed, in each I learned how to identify where operational processes can be implemented and improved and to work closely and collaboratively with a variety of voices to solve the challenges before us. The challenges and the people you’re solving them with might change, but my approach—being people-first, looking at the whole, beginning with the end in mind, and not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good—does not.
Looking ahead, what are you most hopeful about for the future of Verso and the pilgrims we serve?
I am excited to strengthen the operational foundation for Verso so that we can bring even more people on pilgrimage to encounter Christ.
If you could travel on pilgrimage anywhere right now, where would you go?
The Holy Land with my family. We all have a deep desire to go to the places where Jesus lived and died. And I learned last summer that I absolutely love encountering these sacred places with and through the eyes of my children.
What’s your favorite part of living in South Bend?
Being born and raised only miles from where we now have a home, it feels very much like a small town where you run into acquaintances and friends at the grocery store or little league games. At the same time, it has larger city amenities such as a good zoo, a growing trail system, and many dynamic parish communities. I love that I can always find a daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration that fits my crazy schedule whether that’s at the crack of dawn, midday, or after work!
Inspired by this desire for communion and the vision of pilgrimage?
Join Verso Ministries on pilgrimage and be part of a global encounter with the Church.
Learn more about our 2026 and 2027 departures.
Join Verso Ministries on pilgrimage and be part of a global encounter with the Church.
Learn more about our 2026 and 2027 departures.
