Ever wonder what really happens behind the walls of a monastery?

In this week’s episode, I welcome back our favorite Benedictine monk with a surfboard, Fr. Augustine Wetta. We’re stepping into a hidden world that’s been quietly defying the noise and chaos of modern life for over 1,500 years with silence, prayer, community, and a whole lot of humility.

But don’t expect some dreamy fairy tale. This is real life behind the habit: petty arguments over pens, broken irons held together with the wrong glue, and golf cart joy rides. It’s raw, funny, and surprisingly relatable. Turns out, becoming a monk doesn’t make you perfect; it just means you’ve committed to growing in love.

00:00 Intro 

6:24 Why Fr. Augustine became a monk 

12:11 What Fr. Augustine discovered about himself in his 1st years as a monk  

13:24 Why silence isn’t scary; it’s clarifying

14:44 The monastic trick to handling distractions during prayer

17:49 The unexpected joys of Monastic life

19:22 And... the surprisingly holy story of a broken iron (short)

22:00 What monks fight about (spoiler: it’s hilariously petty and deeply human)

28:07 Why doing the dishes for someone who annoys you can be sanctifying

28:37 The power of apologizing even when you think you're right (short)

32:22 Settlers of Catan and golf carts in the monastery!?

35:51 Three simple ways to make your house more monastic (yes, even with kids running around)

36:26 Deliberately lose your next argument 

This episode reminded me that monastic life isn’t about escape, it’s about living with radical intentionality. And that’s something every one of us is called to, whether you’re in a habit or a hoodie.

........ 

Sign up for the Daily Anchor for FREE and receive daily reflections, updates, and encouragement from Chris Stefanick to help you live with the joy you were made for: https://mailchi.mp/reallifecatholic/daily-anchor-landing-page-20      

........ 

Help us transform hearts for Jesus! Join the mission and become a monthly donor (A Missionary of JOY!): https://moj.reallifecatholic.com/

........ 

The Chris Stefanick Show will soon be premiering on EWTN+ Streaming! You can start watching more great content at: EWTN.com/ondemand/ 

........ 

✈️ To learn more about all of Real Life Catholic Pilgrimages, visit: https://reallifecatholic.com/pilgrimages/

........ 

✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration in your inbox. https://mailchi.mp/reallifecatholic/daily-anchor-landing-page-20