Episode 373: Abbot Bradley Vanden Branden on Becoming the New Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey

Abbot Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., was elected the eighth abbot of St. Norbert Abbey 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.