The Ascension: Hope & Mission – May 17, 2023

Father Matthew Widder joined Patrick for a conversation about Christ’s Ascension into heaven. Topics included: why Jesus had to ascend (2:41), Jesus as intercession (9:14), resurrection of the body (19:18), hope and the ascension (23:41), caller: I loved how Jesus helped the apostles navigate the Ascension (33:41), where Jesus ascended (39:52), caller: Jesus empowers the Church to mission (44:34). 

Patrick Conley was born, raised, and baptized in Wisconsin in a Protestant tradition. After meeting his wife, Kendra, through an Evangelical ministry at the University of Minnesota, they entered the Catholic Church in 2010. They listened to Relevant Radio, specifically The Inner Life, while preparing to enter the Church. Conley now holds a degree in theology from Oxford University and has served the Church in both academic theology and grassroots pastoral ministry. Conley teaches religion classes in a Catholic elementary school, serves as his parish Director of Religious Education, and is in formation for the permanent diaconate. He also hosts Practicing Catholic on Relevant Radio, exclusive to the Minneapolis area’s airwaves, and is a traveling presenter for the Catherine of Siena Institute apostolate. He lives in rural Wisconsin with his wife and their bulldogs, Georgie and Bingley.