Who was Ruth Pakaluk?

A wife, mother, Harvard graduate, pro-life leader, and faithful Catholic whose inspiring life is now being examined by the Church as a possible future saint.

In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Meghan Tallarita, Vice Postulator for the Cause of Ruth Pakaluk, about the remarkable life and legacy of this extraordinary woman. Meghan shares how she became involved with the cause and how learning about Ruth has deeply influenced her own life as a wife and mother.

The conversation explores Ruth's conversion to Catholicism while at Harvard, her leadership in the pro-life movement as president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, her devotion to her family, and the faith that sustained her through a battle with breast cancer.

They also discuss:
• What Ruth's family thinks about her sainthood cause
• The mission of the Ruth Pakaluk Foundation
• Visitation House and its outreach to women facing crisis pregnancies
• Reports of favors received through Ruth's intercession
• Why so many people feel connected to Ruth despite never having met her
• The current status of her cause for canonization
• What readers discover in Ruth's personal writings and correspondence
• Whether Opus Dei supports the cause
• Where Ruth is buried and why pilgrims visit her grave
• What patronage she might one day be known for

Discover why an increasing number of people believe the witness of Ruth Pakaluk is exactly what the Church and the world need today.
For more information about Ruth Pakaluk and her cause for canonization, visit the Ruth Pakaluk Foundation.

https://ruthpakaluk.com
The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God:

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.

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