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Fr. Nepil's Yeti Prank Sparks Controversy and Debate

7/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In January 2024, a ski trip at Denver's St. John Vianney Theological Seminary took a wild turn when Fr. John Nepil orchestrated a prank featuring a "Yeti" and a mock blood oath. While some church leaders chose forgiveness, others labeled it as hazing. His subsequent removal ignited a heated debate about the appropriateness of the punishment.

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Story summary

In January 2024, a ski trip at Denver's St. John Vianney Theological Seminary took a wild turn when Fr. John Nepil orchestrated a prank featuring a "Yeti" and a mock blood oath. While some church leaders chose forgiveness, others labeled it as hazing. His subsequent removal ignited a heated debate about the appropriateness of the punishment.