7 Things to Know About Bishop Varden, Pope Leo’s Lenten Retreat Master
The Norwegian Trappist monk chosen to preach the Vatican’s Lenten retreat once called himself an atheist — and today is one of Europe’s most respected Catholic thinkers.
Results from Tag: 'Norway'
The Sacred Island in Norway that ‘Turns Tourists Into Pilgrims’
Amid the windswept ruins of Norway’s first monastery, Selja stirs once more with prayer and the quiet rebirth of a Benedictine vision.
Spreading the Light of Christ in the Darkness of the Nordic Countries
In a historic joint pilgrimage to Rome for the 2025 Jubilee, Nordic Catholics were reminded of their mission to bring Christ’s light into the darkness and sow hope amid the hopelessness that prevails in the Northern countries.
Cardinal Parolin Ordains New Bishop of Oslo, Highlighting Holy Spirit’s Guidance
The 45-year-old prelate served in the Vatican’s diplomatic service until 2022.
Norwegian Bishop Partners With EWTN and Exodus 90 for New ‘Desert Fathers’ Podcast Series
The podcast’s launch coincides with the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, which Bishop Varden sees as particularly significant.
Norway’s New Bishop-Elect Comes Home After Years of Vatican Service
After years of international service to the Church and teaching in the U.S., Msgr. Fredrik Hansen’s new appointment as coadjutor bishop of Oslo is bringing him back to his native land.
St. Olav’s Way: Norwegian Young Catholics Walk Traditional Pilgrimage to Trondheim
What it’s like to traverse the northernmost pilgrimage route in the world to the national shrine of ‘Norway’s eternal king.’
100 Years After Sigrid Undset’s Conversion: The First Vocation From Lillehammer, Norway
A century after the world-famous Nobel Prize winner’s conversion, and her subsequent fervent prayers for Norwegian vocations, Mathias Ledum is the first man to be ordained to holy orders from her home parish.
Norway Bishops: Proposal to Expand Abortion Abandons ‘Christian and Humanistic Heritage’
A special abortion commission instituted by the Norwegian government has recommended Norway legalize elective abortion through the 18th week of pregnancy and legalize abortion in some cases even later into the pregnancy.
Return of the Monks: The Trappists Go Back to Norway
More than 500 years after most abbeys and monasteries in Norway were dissolved and destroyed in the Protestant Reformation, the northernmost Trappist monastery church in the world was consecrated Dec. 5 by Trappist Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim.
