Sacred artist and stained-glass master Aaron Frei joins Paul Kolker, Nick Bezner, and Jeff Schiefelbein for a wide-ranging conversation that blends theology, art, discernment, and plenty of classic BeatiDudes banter. Aaron shares his journey from studying theology at the University of Dallas to discerning monastic life with the Hungarian Cistercians, and ultimately returning to serve the Church through sacred art.
The conversation explores why stained glass is uniquely powerful as an art form, relying on transmitted light rather than reflected light, and how imperfection allows beauty to shine more fully. Aaron offers rich spiritual metaphors drawn from his craft, connecting brokenness, reconciliation, and God’s grace with the way light passes through glass.
Aaron also opens up about leaving the monastery, wrestling honestly with the desire for family life, and discovering that discernment is not failure but fidelity. His story includes mentoring young artists, helping churches articulate sacred beauty, and even meeting his wife through a mosaic project that never came to be, proving that God still works through cancelled plans.
The episode wraps with humor, call-backs, and a challenge to listeners to be digital missionaries who do not stop at content but go to Mass, pray, and encounter Christ in the poor.
Key Themes and Takeaways
*Why stained glass depends on transmitted light and why imperfection increases beauty
*Discernment as dating rather than a one-time irreversible decision
*Learning holiness from community life, not just intellectual brilliance
*How God uses brokenness to let His light shine more clearly
*Sacred art as service to the Church, not personal expression alone
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