“We’re all monks now” was an early refrain about life in coronavirus lockdown. Time slowed down as we kept to our houses and limited contact with family and friends. Of course, unlike monks, we also had Zoom calls and Netflix. Lots and lots of Netflix. So we wanted to talk to a monk and find out just how much our Covid quarantines resemble life in a monastery.

Dom Benedict Nivakoff, O.S.B., is the prior of the Monastery of San Benedetto in Monte in Norcia, Italy, the birthplace of St. Benedict, considered the father of Western monasticism. We ask Father Prior about living under St. Benedict’s Rule and what advice he has for those us struggling to accept the limitations of pandemic life.

And during Signs of the Times, Pope Francis has dedicated the next year to St. Joseph. Zac and Ashley share their takeaways from “Patris Corde,” the pope reflection on the foster father of Jesus. Next, the pope plans to visit Iraq in March, but can he do so without putting his and others’ health at risk? And you’ve heard of “Elf on the Shelf,” but what about “Mary on the Mantel”? The hosts debate the merits of a new Advent tradition.

Finally, we need your help! 2020 has been a year like no other. It has been filled with suffering and longing, for sure, but also moments of grace. And we want to hear about yours. Send a short voice memo to [email protected] describing a specific time in the last year when you found God working in your life. We hope to share your consolations in a special Christmas episode.

Links from the show:

Pope Francis proclaims a year dedicated to St. Joseph

Patris Corde

Pope Francis plans to visit Iraq in March after getting a Covid vaccine

‘Mary on the Mantel’? Think ‘Elf on the Shelf,’ but Catholic

What’s on tap?

Birra Nursia Blonde Ale (You can order it here. A great Christmas gift for the beer lovers in your life!)

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