Bishop Barron Presents | Fr. Joseph Fessio - Being Formed by Ratzinger, De Lubac, and Balthasar

Friends, Fr. Joseph Fessio, SJ, was formed by some of the greatest figures of twentieth-century Catholicism, including Henri de Lubac, Joseph Ratzinger, and Hans Urs von Balthasar. We discuss his life story, his education, his experience in Europe, the founding of Ignatius Press, and more.

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[susanflintom]

I’m nearly 80 so I loved listening to all the history of my church with these two brilliant men. I loved hearing the rumblings that went on among the intellectuals.

[johnodonnell]

Nothing that Bishop Barron does is disappointing. Always worth listening to. This with Fr Joseph Fessio is another bonus. Thanks so much both of you. 🙏🧎🏽‍♀️

[geraldarthurmoore]

I didn't want the interview to end. Thank you, Bishop Barron! - from South Korea

[nataliemarsalli]

Over 35 years ago, a young priest, Father Barron, led me to my final decision to join the Catholic Church where we met weekly in the basement of St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge, IL, with other RCIA candidates. Fast forward 20 years to Ann Arbor, Michigan where my husband, me, and my young family first met Fr. Fessio and eventually he became a family friend and mentor to my then high-school -age children after we took the leap of faith and moved to Naples, FL, where we were part of the growing university families of Ave Maria University. What an absolute treat for me to see these two men who are so important to my (and my family's) Catholic life and spiritual journey sitting across from one another exchanging ideas- marvelous! We serve a GOOD GOD!

[veronikafoster]

What rich conversation! Love the insertions of French, Latin, Spanish in the conversation! Thanks bishop Barron for not dumbing down things for us Catholics and making this available to the masses.

[victornduka]

Intellectual meeting of minds. I love this. May God preserve the churches Intellectuals.

[Vincent-qhzz]

Father Fessio, a kind intellectual giant and renaissance man. Highly unusual these days.

[thedon]

“What made you stay?” asks Barron. “I made a promise to God, ” answers Fessio.

[MyronManickum]

A few years ago I was staying at a old backpackers in a small tourist town and as I was laying in bed, with the light on, watching TV, a black circular darkness popped up at the bottom of the bed. It grew larger and darker and the sense that I got was total doom and destruction and it felt like I had no hope at all.

Something, a voice, a feeling, I can't really explain what it was but my being told me to call out "Jesus Christ save me". Just as this darkness was about to attack me I tried to say what I was being told to say and all I could get out was "Jesus" in desperation. Immediately this darkness was stopped from attacking me and it disappeared.

It's true, calling out the name of Jesus can save you from anything- alien abduction, demonic entities, curses, witchcraft etc

[wesdelval]

Thank God for this conversation, for both men, and for Ignatius Press and Word on Fire, for serious thinking about serious matters.

[johnsayre]

St. Thomas Aquinas to batting averages. Wonderful conversation. Much appreciated. Both of these shepherds are a treasure.

[truenorthjourney]

All Catholic Highschool administrators should watch this. Very important and wonderful interview. Blessings to you both.

[jeffinrodriguez]

Isn't it finally time we had an English speaking Pope who has the eloquence of Bishop Baron?

[thelogosproject]

Thank you Fr. Fessio for Ignatius Press

[Teamfra]

Two of my faves!! What a gift! 💝
So glad you two got out of baseball ⚾️🎉🙏🏻✨

[jonathanstory]

many thanks. a wonderful interview. i am 83 and you have told me to read these giants!

[maryrogers]

Thank you for this interview with Fr Fessio who has lived his vocation so well!!!😊🙏🏻

[tmvtbb]

Amazing! These two minds engaged in dialogue that makes the faith, tradition, and Church history come alive! Fr. Fessio’s mind is so SHARP and CLEAR at his age.

[JaredPowell-ex]

God’s been good to this man. I couldn’t believe that he’s in his 80’s.

[Butsch]

Thank you, Bishop Barron, for this great talk with Fr. Fessio. Best greetings from Germany.