John Ruberto: Volunteer, Author, and Pilgrim
The Journey from Code to the Camino
After a 30-year career in software engineering, I retired in 2021, remarried, and walked our first Camino. Since then, alongside my wife, Laura, I have spent over 352 days on pilgrimage across nine countries. Along the way, I’ve discovered a new hobby, writing historical fiction set along medieval pilgrimage trails. When at home, we both volunteer in our local community of Naples, FL.
Pilgrimages
Our hiking pilgrimages include Camino Portugués and the Via Francigena to Rome. For me, these are not just hiking trips; they are a spiritual experience with a simple rule of life on the road. Wake up, eat, grab the backpack and start walking. Stop at every church. Say the rosary and attend a Mass. At our destination, wash our clothes in the sink, take a shower, eat and go to bed early.
Planes, trains, and automobiles also take us to holy sites. These pilgrimages include Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje, St. Patrick’s sites in Ireland, 40 martyrs of England and Wales, Paris, Mont Saint Michel, and many more. On our most recent trip to Italy, we traveled from Aosta to Agrigento, visiting many holy sites along the way.
Bringing History to Life
These hundreds of miles serve as the foundation for my work as an author of historical fiction. I am fascinated by the millions of pilgrims who walked these same paths during medieval times. The Reformation period is especially interesting, where pilgrims navigated warring factions and the destruction of churches and shrines, in addition to the normal hardships of travel.
So far, I’ve published a few short stories:
- Harold Saves the Saint – Inspired by a British gentleman we met on the Via Francigena, just outside of Rome.
- Dinner with Ghino – A fictionalized version of the real life “Robin Hood” in Radicofani, Italy.
- The Champagne Fairs – A backstory for one of the characters in an upcoming novel.
- Faithful Journeys, Hidden Sanctuaries – Part of the Pilgrim Tales anthology by Catholic Writers Guild.
Faith in Action
When not on the road, we are dedicated to serving our home community in Naples, Florida. I believe that our talents are meant to be shared, which is why I volunteer as the IT Leader for St. Vincent de Paul’s Job Pathway Program, helping our neighbors re-enter the workforce through technology coaching. I am also an active member of the Knights of Columbus and a Sidewalk Advocate for Life, working to build a culture of life and service.
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