Echoes from the Bell Tower

Read the full transcript of this episode

Like so many important decisions in life, joining a monastery has a ripple effect. Family and friends are touched by this life-changing choice.

In this week's episode of the "Echoes from the Bell Tower" podcast, hosts Br. Joel Blaize and Br. Kolbe Wolniakowski listen in on a conversation between a monk and his parents.

Br. John Mark Falkenhain, OSB, joined the monastery in 2002. He recently talked with his parents, Donna and Roland Falkenhain, about their experience of seeing their son become a monk.

He asks them what changes they've seen in him, what their fears were, and what they would say to other parents whose children might be considering a monastic vocation.

At the beginning of this episode, Br. John Mark talks about the haircut called a "corona." This is the haircut that all Saint Meinrad monks get when they become novices. In the photos below, you'll see Br. Joel and Br. Kolbe with their coronas. The other photo is of Br. John Mark with his parents.

Next episode, we continue the "family" theme as Br. Kolbe interviews some of his family members.

As always, you can listen to this episode at the top of this page or go to iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts and download "Echoes from the Bell Tower." Thanks for listening!

Br. Joel Blaize, OSB with corona:

Br. Kolbe Wolniakowski, OSB with corona:

Br. John Mark Falkenhain, OSB and his parents, Roland and Donna: