Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden
Exodus 90
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 with Bishop Erik Varden...
...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 experience uncommon freedom in Jesus Christ with men from around the world.
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 with Bishop Erik Varden...
...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 experience uncommon freedom in Jesus Christ with men from around the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 6, 2025 • 42min
Bonus Roundtable: Pursuit of Perfection
Jamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection on the pursuit of perfection.Each week, we'll meet discuss Bishop Varden's reflection and what practical takeaways we can glean from it and apply to our lives. New Roundtable Discussions will be published every Thursday. We owe a special thanks to our partners. 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.You can listen to Desert Fathers in a Year on the Hallow app, YouTube, X (fka Twitter), Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Feb 4, 2025 • 12min
Episode 6: Pursuit of Perfection
🏜️ Welcome to Desert Fathers in a Year, Episode 6: Pursuit of PerfectionPlease visit DesertFathers.com to subscribe to our email newsletter and to download a free PDF of Athanasius's Life of Antony. Modern life is like a desert, parched for the life-giving water that Jesus promised to the woman at the well. The Desert Fathers offer timeless insights for our growth in self-knowledge, charity, and holiness.We owe a special thanks to our partners. Desert Fathers in a Year is...• 🦉...written by Bishop Erik Varden. You can follow Bishop Varden on his blog.• 🎥 ...produced by EWTN• 🧡...and brought to you by Exodus 90, download the Exodus 90 app today You can listen to Desert Fathers in a Year on the Hallow app, YouTube, X (fka Twitter), Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Jan 28, 2025 • 54min
Episode 5: Q&A with Bishop Varden
A renowned bishop answers thoughtful questions, connecting modern struggles to ancient wisdom. Discover the delicate balance between body, mind, and spirit through the life of Antony. Gain insights into urban asceticism, learning how to maintain spiritual discipline amidst city distractions. Explore the significance of the Jesus Prayer and its role in the quest for perfection. The discussion wraps up with heartfelt reflections on faith and the importance of divine guidance in daily life.
7 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 51min
Bonus Roundtable: Antony - A Strength to Others
A captivating discussion reveals how Antony's solitude transformed him into a beacon for others. The speakers explore the delicate balance between solitary reflection and communal support, emphasizing the role of authentic friendships in spiritual growth. They dive into the power of silence, highlighting its importance in fostering meaningful communication. Vulnerability emerges as a vital aspect of spiritual connections, urging listeners to engage deeply with one another. The episode concludes with a prayer for guidance and strength amidst life's challenges.
12 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 12min
Episode 4: Antony - A Strength to Others
Explore the remarkable life of St. Antony, a pivotal figure who inspired early Christians with his grace and unwavering love for Christ. Discover how his story fosters spiritual growth and community. The podcast delves into self-knowledge and the power of prayer, showcasing how authentic faith transforms lives. Listeners are urged to reflect on their spiritual journeys and consider meaningful challenges to deepen their relationship with Jesus.
Jan 16, 2025 • 56min
Bonus Roundtable: Become Who You Are
Jamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection on the effects that Antony's asceticism had on his life and nature.Each week, we'll meet discuss Bishop Varden's reflection and what practical takeaways we can glean from it and apply to our lives. New Roundtable Discussions will be published every Thursday. We owe a special thanks to our partners. 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.You can listen to Desert Fathers in a Year on the Hallow app, YouTube, X (fka Twitter), Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
9 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 12min
Episode 3: Become Who You Are
Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian monk and Bishop of Trondheim, shares profound insights from the life of Antony, the Desert Father. He discusses how modern life mirrors a spiritual desert, longing for fulfillment. Listeners explore Antony's struggles and triumphs, emphasizing resilience and community. Varden highlights Antony's transformation through faith and asceticism, illustrating how divine principles foster authenticity. This conversation encourages a deeper relationship with God, drawing wisdom from ancient teachings for today's challenges.
Jan 9, 2025 • 54min
Bonus Roundtable: Facing Antony's Temptations
Jamie, Doyle, Adam, and Jared from the team at Exodus 90 meet to discuss Bishop Varden's reflection on Antony's temptations.Each week, we'll meet discuss Bishop Varden's reflection and what practical takeaways we can glean from it and apply to our lives. New Roundtable Discussions will be published every Thursday. We owe a special thanks to our partners. 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.You can listen to Desert Fathers in a Year on the Hallow app, YouTube, X (fka Twitter), Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
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
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.
