In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Understanding Desolation And Consolation – The Inner Life – September 17, 2026

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

On today’s Inner Life, Fr. Robert Kroll, S.J. Talks about discerning consolation and desolation

  • Break 1
  • Jan – Had pain in her back, was reminded of importance of redemptive suffering in the midst of her trial
  • Mary – When I went through desolation, Eucharistic adoration was key for me. I agree that you should definitely not make major decisions when in desolation.
  • Break 2
  • Liz – I experience desolation when homeschooling my kids, especially in the winter. I question whether she should have done this.
  • Kim – Is desolation a punishment? Does it come on because of something we’ve done?

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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.