Echoes from the Bell Tower

Echoes from the Bell Tower...stories of wit and wisdom from Benedictine monks who live, work and pray in southern Indiana.

Episode 34 - Quarantined in Rome

In which Br. Kolbe talks with Br. Lorenzo, now Fr. Lorenzo, about his experiences during the COVID-19 shutdown in Italy.

10-22
14:31

Episode 33 - Pandemic: Lessons From a Monastery

In which Br. Joel, Br. Kolbe, and their guests reflect on how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed things and ways that all of us can make the best of these times.

10-15
31:00

Episode 32 - These Priests are Brothers, Too

In which Br. Joel Br. Kolbe introduce you to the Friend family – Patrick and Joe, along with their sister, Katherine, and their father, Jerry. Patrick and Joe studied together at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. Listen in as Patrick and Joseph talk about finding their way to the priesthood and how their family was an important part of that decision. Plus, Katherine and Jerry talk about the impact of that decision and how it has blessed them in many ways.

06-18
22:02

Episode 31 - Unforgotten Brothers in Christ

In which Br. Joel and Br. Kolbe talk to Br. Zachary Wilberding, OSB, about the Catholic prison ministry at Branchville Correctional Facility.

05-21
16:16

Episode 29 - How a Historian Made History

In which Br. Joel, Br. Kolbe and their guests remember the life of their confrere, Fr. Cyprian Davis, OSB. Fr. Cyprian was Saint Meinrad Archabbey's first African-American monk and priest. He taught history for many years in our seminary and participated in the Civil Rights Movement. His research led him to write the seminal work: "The History of Black Catholics in the United States." Fr. Cyprian died in 2015.

04-23
24:14

Episode 28 - A Monk Away from Home

In which Br. Joel and Br. Kolbe introduce their confrere, Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB. Fr. Godfrey has been living away from the monastery for the past eight years, serving as a parish pastor.

04-09
14:19

Season 5 Preview

We’re back – almost! Season 5 of the “Echoes from the Bell Tower” podcast is ready to launch on Thursday, April 9.

03-26
02:20

Episode 27 - Triduum: Memories and Mishaps

In which Br. Joel, Br. Kolbe, and their guests recount stories from past Triduum liturgies. To hear our full episode on the Triduum, visit https://www.saintmeinrad.edu/echoes

04-25
10:58

Episode 26 - Triduum: Walking in Jesus' Footsteps

In this special Echoes From the Bell Tower podcast episode, you’ll hear how the Benedictine monks at Saint Meinrad commemorate the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and, finally, the Resurrection of Christ.

04-18
32:07

Episode 25 - What's Behind a Monk's Name, Part III

Every monk has a story behind his monastic name. In this third Echoes from the Bell Tower podcast episode about monastic names, we hear four more stories that explore why and how the monastic names were chosen.

04-11
16:41

Episode 24 - What's Behind a Monk's Name, Part II

In which Br. Joel and Br. Kolbe listen to more stories about how monks receive their names. This is a sequel to our third episode on monastic names from 2016.

04-04
26:17

Episode 23 - Peanut Brother: An Accidental Ministry

In which Br. Joel introduces us to Peanut Brother, the homemade peanut butter the monks began making over a year ago.

02-14
08:35

Episode 22 - It’s All in the Family: Following God's Call

In which Br. Kolbe has a conversation with his family about the difficulties and joys of religious life.

12-13
18:12

Episode 21 - It’s All in the Family: Lifetime Commitment

In which Br. Joel and Br. Kolbe listen in on a conversation between Br. John Mark Falkenhain and his parents. Like so many important decisions in life, joining a monastery has a ripple effect. Family and friends are touched by this life-changing choice.

11-29
15:12

Episode 20 - Oblates: Ordinary People Seeking God

In which Br. Joel and Br. Kolbe talk to oblates of Saint Meinrad. The Benedictine oblate community affiliated with Saint Meinrad Archabbey has been around almost as long the monastery itself. But, what is an oblate? Oblates are men and women who live and work in the world, but who wish to follow the spiritual path established by St. Benedict.

11-15
22:08

Upcoming Episodes: Saint Meinrad’s Outreach

Echoes from the Bell Tower is back with new episodes starting November 15, 2018. These fall episodes will focus on Saint Meinrad's outreach. From the Benedictine Oblate program to student ministry to the impact monks and seminarians make on their families, you don't want to miss these episodes!

11-08
01:40

Episode 19 - One Bread, One Cup: The Young Church of Today

In which Br. Joel, Br. Kolbe, and their guests look at the One Bread, One Cup program for Catholic youth held at Saint Meinrad every summer.

07-26
26:08

Episode 18 - Vow Charts: A Hidden Treasure

In which guest hosts Br. Nathaniel and Br. Simon discuss with some of their fellow monks the beautiful tradition of vow charts.

07-12
20:31

Episode 17 - Word with a Capital "W"

In which Br. Joel, Br. Kolbe, and their guests look at some of the ways that "the Word" is important to life here at Saint Meinrad.

06-21
29:10

Episode 16 - Keep Death Daily Before Your Eyes

In which Br. Joel, Br. Kolbe, and their guests discuss funeral practices in the monastery and remember a monk who has gone to eternal life.

03-22
30:02

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