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Episode 373: Abbot Bradley Vanden Branden on Becoming the New Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey

Abbot Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., was elected the eighth abbot of St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI on January 15, 2026, and received his abbatial blessing on April 18, 2026. In what may be his first longform sit-down interview outside of print media, Abbot Brad joins Fr. Edward for a wide-ranging conversation about his vocational discernment, Norbertine spirituality, and the mission of the Canons Regular of Prémontré in the United States. The conversation explores the life of St. Norbert of Xanten — including the famous “spider incident” and his title as the Apostle of the Eucharist — while also introducing listeners to the unique charism and communal life of the Norbertines. Abbot Brad reflects on the Chapter of Election and shares what was going through his mind as it became clear he would be chosen as abbot, including the prayers that sustained him in that moment. He also discusses the meaning behind his episcopal motto and newly designed coat of arms. Along the way, Fr. Edward asks a series of personal and spiritual questions: * Which Norbertines most inspired him? * If he had taken a religious name, what would he have chosen? * Which spiritual books would he recommend? * What Marian title is closest to his heart? * Which saintly intercessor does he turn to most? This episode offers a rare and personal introduction to the new abbot of one of America’s most historic Norbertine communities.

Episode 372: How to Find the Graves of Saints (And Why Visiting Them Changes You) with Brian O'Neel

Fr. Edward sits down with Brian O’Neel, founder of the website dedicated to locating the burial places of saints, blesseds, and holy men and women, to explore a question many Catholics have never thought to ask: Where are the saints buried—and how can I find them? Brian shares how his passion for the saints led him to document their tombs and create a resource for pilgrims seeking these sacred places. Together, they discuss shrines, sanctuaries, and pilgrimage opportunities—especially those hidden in plain sight across the United States. Drawing from his own travels, Fr. Edward reflects on experiences in Rome, where nearly every church holds the relics or remains of a saint, and shares stories from his visits to graves and tombs throughout the country—and the graces he has encountered along the way. Why visit a grave if you can pray anywhere? What makes these places spiritually significant? And what should you actually do when you arrive? Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage or simply curious about deepening your devotion to the saints, this conversation offers practical guidance and spiritual insight. The episode even concludes with Brian helping Fr. Edward plan a future pilgrimage to New York. [ Visit his website: saintstombs.com](saintstombs.com) Buy His Book: Saint Who? https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Who-39-Holy-Unknowns/dp/1616362421 [https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Who-39-Holy-Unknowns/dp/1616362421]

Episode 371: “God Doesn’t Hate Me After All” — How St. Louis de Montfort Changed Greg Willits’ Life

Fr. Edward sits down with Catholic speaker and author Greg Willits to explore the life and spirituality of one of the Church’s greatest Marian saints, St. Louis de Montfort—a figure Greg warmly calls “our dear friend Montfort.” While many know St. Louis de Montfort for True Devotion to Mary, this conversation turns to a lesser-known but deeply powerful work: Love of Eternal Wisdom, the saint’s first written book. Greg shares how this often-overlooked text transformed his own spiritual life and inspired his latest project, which pairs personal reflections with selections from the original work (reprinted with permission of the Montfortian Fathers). Together, they discuss: * Why St. Louis de Montfort remains one of the most influential Marian saints in the Church * The unique structure and message of Love of Eternal Wisdom * How encountering the love of Jesus can change everything * Why God does not hate us—and how that truth can reshape our lives * A passage from the book that has deeply impacted Greg * How listeners can relate to Greg’s story and find encouragement in their own journey This conversation is an invitation to rediscover a spiritual classic—and to encounter Christ, Eternal Wisdom, in a way that brings lasting joy. Buy the book: https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=god-doesnt-hate-me-after-all&oid=811&affid=203 [https://sophiainstitute.com/?product=god-doesnt-hate-me-after-all&oid=811&affid=203]

Episode 370: The Perfect Catholic Summer Series for Kids? | Chime Travelers with Lisa Hendey

Years ago, Lisa Hendey created her beloved multi-volume series Chime Travelers. Today, that vision has expanded beyond the page into a new episodic video series. In this conversation, Lisa joins Fr. Edward Looney to discuss both formats—who they’re for, how they differ, and how they complement one another. What age group are the books intended for? Who is the video series best suited for? And what inspired the transition from written stories to the screen? At the heart of Chime Travelers is a powerful premise: helping young people grow in faith by connecting real-life challenges—like bullying—with the inspiring stories of saints such as St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Fr. Edward also asks Lisa whether this project began as a dream and how it unfolded into something much bigger than she first imagined. As summer approaches, this is a perfect opportunity for families: start with the books, then continue the journey with the video series available on Formed or Hallow.

Episode 369: Get the Scoop Behind the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries on UPtv & UP Faith & Family

Fr. Edward sits down with film producer and entrepreneur Chevonne O'Shaughnessy for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the movie and television industry. As the force behind ACI On the Go and producer of the new Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries series, Chevonne offers insight into what it takes to bring meaningful, family-friendly stories to the screen. In this conversation, they explore how Chevonne first entered the film industry, the growing demand for clean and uplifting entertainment, and the trend of adapting popular books into movies and television series. They also discuss why Amish stories continue to resonate so strongly with audiences today. Chevonne shares what viewers can expect from the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries series on UPtv and UP Faith & Family, including how to watch the series both on television and through streaming. Learn more about ACI on the Go- https://www.youtube.com/c/ACIOnTheGo [https://www.youtube.com/c/ACIOnTheGo]