Ever Ancient, Ever New

51. Affiliate in Focus with Br. Steven Vargos, O.Ss.S.

On today's episode, we're listening to an interview with Br. Steven Vargos, O.Ss.S. from the Brigittine Monks at The Brigittine Priory of Our Lady of Consolation in Amity, OR.

The Order of the Most Holy Savior (the "Brigittines") was founded in 1370 by St. Bridget of Sweden, upon a direct revelation from Heaven, as an order of contemplative monks and nuns, who follow the Rule of St. Augustine. Following the original pattern of monasticism, the monks do not ordinarily receive Holy Orders. The Priory has a special devotion toward the Sacred Liturgy, the Passion of Christ, the Eucharist, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the papacy, and praying for the souls in Purgatory and for the unity of Christians. The monks support themselves by making Gourmet Confections.

Br. Steven Vargos is interviewed by IRL Board member, Jesse Weiler. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy!

50. Rev. Brian Mullady, O.P. - The Rosary as the Compendium of the Gospel

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2017 National Meeting by Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P.  

Fr. Mullady recently passed into eternal life on April 22, 2025. Please pray for the repose of his soul. You can read his obituary to learn more about his amazing life serving the church. 

Fr. Mullady taught at the Vita Consecrata Institute for nearly 20 years and served as the Theological advisor for the Institute on Religious Life for over 30 years. Fr. Mullady was a mission preacher and retreat master for the Dominican Friars, Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in Oakland California. He hosted a twelve-part series on Mother Angelica's EWTN television network, authored of four books and numerous articles and wrote the Answer column in Homiletic and Pastoral Review.  Fr. Mullady was also designated as an official Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis for the Year of Mercy. 

Thank you for listening, may God bless you!

49. Dr. Theresa Burke - From Grief to Grace Pt. 2

On today’s episode, we will be featuring part two of a talk from our 2019 National Meeting by Dr. Theresa Burke.

Dr. Theresa Burke, who developed Grief to Grace, is also the founder of Rachel’s Vineyard, the largest post abortion healing ministry in the world. Her programs offer sensory-based treatment that integrates emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. Theresa lectures and trains professionals internationally on subjects including post-abortion and other abuse trauma and healing. Her books include Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion, The Contraception of Grief: The Genesis of Anguish Conceived by Abortifacients and Sterilization, and Sharing the Heart of Christ.

Dr. Theresa Burke’s talk is titled, From Grief to Grace. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy! May God bless you! 

48. Dr. Theresa Burke - From Grief to Grace Pt.1

On today’s episode, we will be featuring part one of a talk from our 2019 National Meeting by Dr. Theresa Burke.

Dr. Theresa Burke, who developed Grief to Grace, is also the founder of Rachel’s Vineyard, the largest post abortion healing ministry in the world. Her programs offer sensory-based treatment that integrates emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. Theresa lectures and trains professionals internationally on subjects including post-abortion and other abuse trauma and healing. Her books include Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion, The Contraception of Grief: The Genesis of Anguish Conceived by Abortifacients and Sterilization, and Sharing the Heart of Christ.

Dr. Theresa Burke’s talk is titled, From Grief to Grace. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy! May God bless you! 

47. FB Live Interview with Sr. Gemma Kissel, F.S.G.M - Parents of Vocations Pt. 2

On this week's episode, we're listening to a Facebook Live interview on, "Parents of Vocations: A Network & Resource for Parents of Those with a Religious Vocation" with IRL board member, Jesse Weiler, and Sr. Gemma Kissel, of The Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, Illinois.

Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy!

46. Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, S.V. - 2015 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award Recipient

Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life.

Today's episode is honoring our 2015 award recipient, Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, S.V. Mother Agnes Mary, S.V. was among the first group of women to respond to John Cardinal O’Connor’s inspiration to found the Sisters of Life, a religious community dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the sacredness of human life.

Founded in 1991, the Sisters of Life are a contemplative/apostolic community whose primary work is prayer on behalf of vulnerable human life. Their apostolic works include a “Holy Respite” - where pregnant guests are welcomed to live in the spiritual environment of a religious house and a “Visitation Mission” to offer hope and provide practical resources to women for whom their pregnancy creates a crisis. The Sisters also host a variety of retreats to uphold the Culture of Life and to invite those who have suffered from abortion back to the Lord’s merciful love. Mother Agnes Mary is the Superior General of the community. 

Today, we will be listening to her banquet address titled, “Waking Up the World: Consecrated Life as an Encounter with Christ” Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy!

 

45. Affiliate in Focus with Br. Daniel Sokol, O.S.B.

On today's episode, we're listening to an interview with Br. Daniel Sokol, O.S.B from the Benedictines of Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside, California.

The Benedictine monks of Prince of Peace Abbey are a cloistered contemplative monastic community of men seeking God under the Holy Rule of St. Benedict. The monks obey and serve God and their fellow monks in the context of permanence in one community, life under the discipline of a rule governing monastic life, and obedience to an abbot. The monastery maintains a retreat house. Daily Mass and liturgical services are open to the public.

Br. Daniel Sokol is interviewed by IRL Board member, Jesse Weiler. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy!

44. Rev. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. - Saint Joseph: Master of the Interior Life

On today’s episode, we will be featuring a talk from our 2021 National Meeting by Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA. 

Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., has been a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey since 1998. He is a Catholic priest and serves as both the Director of Spiritual Formation and Director of the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary. He also serves as Program Director for WAOB (We Are One Body) radio station, Latrobe. Father Boniface has authored many books and is a sought-after retreat master and spiritual director. He travels throughout the United States, and as far as Beijing, China, in his work. Fr. Boniface also serves on the Board of Directors for the Institute on Religious Life.

Fr. Boniface's talk is titled, Saint Joseph: Master of the Interior Life. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy!