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Words from the Desert

Words from the Desert

By: Monastery of Our Lady of the Cenacle
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About this listen

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
  • Ep. 10: Prayer, Obedience, Silence

    Ep. 10: Prayer, Obedience, Silence
    Mar 3 2026

    In this episode, the brothers continue their previous discussion on prayer, focusing on aspects of how the enemy tries to prevent prayer. After this, they spend some time on a saying that serves as a good introduction to the pivotal monastic and Christian virtue of obedience. Finally, they talk about about silence and carrying stones in their mouths...
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    51 mins
  • Ep. 9: Abba Agathon in God's House

    Ep. 9: Abba Agathon in God's House
    Feb 19 2026

    The brothers begin the sayings of Abba Agathon first by discussing a saying of his on conscience and the importance of keeping it clear. After this, they explore an account about Abba Agathon and his community, they finish up with an extremely crucial saying on the importance of prayer and the warfare that accompanies it. The discussion on prayer will resume in the following episode.
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    46 mins
  • Ep. 8: Compunction

    Ep. 8: Compunction
    Feb 6 2026

    The brothers finish off Abba Arsenius in this episode with three final sayings. They begin by talking about the role of prayer at night time and its fruitfulness in the spiritual life, and then go on to discuss a saying that touches on the topic of rash judgment. This takes them into a protracted conversation about compunction of heart, what it is, and how important it is for anyone who desires to grow in virtue.
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    48 mins
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