Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden
Modern life is like a desert—a parched and barren expanse where the soul thirsts for the living water Jesus promised at the well. Amid the ceaseless distractions and allurements of materialism, God can seem absent. As the Desert Fathers of old fled the noise of the world to seek God in silence, we too have been been called into the desert.
Guided by Bishop Erik Varden, this year-long series—beginning January 1, 2025—invites listeners to encounter the profound wisdom of the Desert Fathers. Drawing from their timeless Sayings, Bishop Varden illuminates the lives of figures like St. Anthony of Egypt, exploring themes such as purity, humility, self-mastery, and repentance. Through their struggles in the wilderness, these early Christians uncovered the transformative power of God’s grace—lessons as relevant today as they were in their time.
Though few of us are called to the monastic life, the spiritual combat of the Desert Fathers resonates with all who seek to follow Christ. As Jesus Himself entered the desert to confront temptation, their wisdom offers guidance for our own battles with distraction and despair, helping us find strength in prayer and discipline.
Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian monk and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, is one of today’s leading Catholic voices. A convert to Catholicism during his studies at Cambridge, he was drawn to the monastic life, ultimately joining Mount St. Bernard Abbey in England, where he eventually became abbot. Through his writing and teaching, Bishop Varden speaks compellingly to a secular world, using the language of beauty to reveal the centrality of our search for God—even when we wander astray.
Join us as we step into the desert together, guided by the wisdom of the ancients, to rediscover the love of Christ that conquers all obstacles. Visit DesertFathers.com to learn more.
We owe a special thanks to our partners. The Desert Fathers in a Year is...
...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, CoramFratribus.com
...produced by EWTN Global Catholic Network
...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today and get ready to start the Exodus 90 Challenge beginning on January 20, 2025.
Latest episodes
13 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 13min
Episode 2: Facing Antony's Temptations
Dive into the life of St. Antony and his inspiring quest for a contemplative existence, guided by devoted mentors. Explore the stages of temptation, highlighting the struggle between spiritual goals and lingering sensual desires. Discover how confronting these challenges can lead to resilience and growth, shedding light on the role of transparency and grace. Listeners will find hope through Antony's experiences, reminding us that overcoming obstacles is a journey intertwined with faith.
4 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 1min
Bonus Roundtable: Changed by the Life of Antony (Desert Fathers in a Year)
The discussion dives deep into how community connections can flourish through initiatives like 'pew parties' in church settings. Participants share personal journeys and reflect on how the wisdom of the Desert Fathers, particularly St. Antony, shapes their faith. Gratitude emerges as a key theme, with anecdotes illustrating its power in family and community dynamics. The gang emphasizes the vital role of self-awareness and genuine relationships in personal transformation and spiritual growth, inviting listeners to engage and share their own experiences.
7 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 13min
Episode 1: Changed by the Life of Antony - Desert Fathers in a Year (with Bishop Erik Varden)
Modern life feels like a spiritual desert, and the teachings of the Desert Fathers offer refreshing insights. The life of Antony inspires profound shifts in individuals like Augustine, prompting a reconsideration of worldly ambitions. Through tales of self-discovery and spiritual nourishment, listeners explore the transformative legacy of asceticism. This journey reminds everyone that true growth stems from understanding oneself and embracing the love found in both monastic and daily life.
Dec 20, 2024 • 8min
TRAILER: Desert Fathers in a Year with Bishop Erik Varden | Exodus 90
Desert Fathers in a Year, Episode 1, will go live on January 1, 2025. Visit DesertFathers.com to learn more.Modern life is like a desert, parched for the life-giving water that Jesus promised to woman at the well. The Desert Fathers offer timeless insights for our growth in self-knowledge, charity, and holiness.Meet Jamie Baxter and Bishop Erik Varden who will guide us, each and every week of 2025, as we read and pray through the writings of the Desert Fathers. We owe a special thanks to our partners. The Desert Fathers in a Year is......written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog, Coram Fratribus Intellexi. ...produced by EWTN Global Catholic Network...and brought to you by Exodus 90. Download the Exodus 90 app today and get ready to start the Exodus 90 Challenge beginning on January 20, 2025.
