In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Dark Night of the Soul – The Inner Life – September 22, 2025

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris joins Patrick to discuss the Dark Night of the Soul

  • (4:40) what happens when someone enters into the Dark night of the Soul?
  • What is the dark night of the senses and dark night of the spirit?
  • (11:04) what is the difference between a dark night of the soul and our spiritual dryness?

(20:43) Break 1

  • (22:07) Elizabeth – I have not lost my faith in our Lord, I still talk to Him, but feeling kind of hopeless and what’s the point. Is this what I’m going through.
  • What is the difference between a dark night and spiritual desolation?
  • (30:24) Sonya Maria – What’s the difference between depression and anxiety and the dark night. Can it happen at the same time?
  • What is the difference between the dark night of the senses and the dark night of the spirit?

(37:44) Break 2

  • John – I feel like I’ve had 3 experiences in my life that have been that experience. Didn’t know what to call it. Happened after an accident, after dealing with a son with schizophrenia, and prostate cancer. I think in all three instances, God was asking if I was still there. I’ve become way less ‘black and white.’ This is how He’s gotten my attention.

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Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley

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.