The 6 Most Extreme Catholic Monks & Desert Fathers

In this episode of The Catholic Talk Show, Ryan, Ryan, and Fr. Michael explore the most extreme monastic saints in Church history, examining how silence, solitude, fasting, and radical withdrawal from the world shaped their pursuit of holiness—and what modern Catholics can still learn from them today.

00:00 The Essence of Spiritual Retreat and Monasticism

05:52 The Importance of Rest and Reflection

11:16 The Desert Fathers: A Journey into Solitude

16:51 Extreme Monasticism: Stylites and Anchorites

22:49 Modern Monasticism and Urban Hermits

28:30 The Call for Discipline in Modern Life

31:51 The Role of Asceticism and Fasting

35:37 Exodus 90: A Path to Freedom

39:03 Creating Sacred Spaces and Routines

49:55 Embracing Silence and Presence

53:22 Conclusion

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