Words from the Desert
A conversation between four Benedictine monks on the Desert Fathers, their lives, and their writings. The monks read through passages in the writings of the Desert Fathers and, drawing upon their experiences and learning in the monastery, discuss them in order to hand on the tradition of the wisdom of the Fathers.
Whatever walk of life you find yourself in, this down-to-earth and simple wisdom is an ever-ancient and ever-new guide to well-being and holiness. Episodes are scheduled to come out about every other week!
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Episodes
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
In this episode, the brothers discuss three sayings that all have to do with different capital vices. Consequently, their discussion turns to the whole list of capital vices and how they relate to each other, as well as a few thoughts on how we might overcome them.
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Monday Mar 16, 2026
In this episode the brothers have a visiting Abba on the podcast and continue the sayings of Abba Agathon. They cover a few particularly challenging sayings that demonstrate the lengths to which true charity draws us. Starting on the topic of friendship and then progressing to sacrifice, the episode is a helpful discussion on what true charity is.
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Friday Mar 27, 2026
This special episode, recorded on the Feast of St Patrick, features an in-depth look at the Breastplate prayer of St Patrick and some key passages in the Confession of St Patrick that show us the true heart of this great saint.
Friday Apr 17, 2026
Friday Apr 17, 2026
In this final episode on Abba Agathon, the brothers read his final two sayings that show a man full of divine charity and completely oriented towards God. The sayings are beautiful stories that show the image of a saint and are well worth dwelling upon. They wrap up their episode by taking a look back at Abba Agathon's sayings and considering what virtue he exemplified most and that we should bear in mind.
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
In this episode, the brothers discuss the sayings of the next father, Abba Ammonas. Being a disciple of Abba Anthony, the brothers return to some of the lessons that we learned from Abba Anthony and develop the key teachings of the Desert Fathers.
3 days ago
3 days ago
In this episode, the brothers discuss one saying from Abba Achilles and one from Abba Ammoes. The theme of how and when to bend to another's needs weaves through both of the sayings, though in different ways and from different directions. The stories that are recounted help us to understand when to say yes and no, when to help and when to not, and the insight and discretion involved in making those calls.