Crazy Saints, Liturgical Movements, & Handling Disagreement w/ Fr. Augustine Wetta 

Fr Augustine Wetta heard my 2nd ever confession during my conversion and is still the only priest to ever laugh at something I thought was a grave sin. He was a blessed early antidote to my scrupulocity and I pray that God blesses him abundantly.

This priest is the perfect example of the joy and richness that happens when a man answers God's call to vocation. What a priceless contribution to life he is. Thank you for Fr. Wetta for being a priest for our Church, and the world.

Some positives from knowing Fr. Augustine since 2011: - when I entered the Church in 2013, he made me a rosary I still use today and asked nothing for it - He offered to play “Stump the monk” when I later taught PSR and the kids really benefited from it - When my kids were loud at Mass by throwing a toy and its sound ricocheting around the round church of St. Anselm’s, Fr. Augustine (Wetta) stopped his homily and said, “Thank you for being open to life and bringing your children”. Just wanted to share as it is easy to get the wrong impression when someone likes jokes and anecdotes as I saw in the comments.

I can see him being the Patron Saint of Happiness 🙂

This dude is funnier and more interesting than any comedian I’ve heard in years, because he is AUTHENTIC

Please have Fr. Wetta on as many times as his schedule allows! I'd listen to him read Dr. Seuss with commentary all day long. He's hysterical!

He reminds me of Norm MacDonald if he was a monk. He’s hilarious and I can’t tell if he’s joking half the time

Fr. Wetta taught my son back in the day, and my son is in medical school now but still talks about how awesome Father is ❤

I'm only 13 minutes in and this guest keeps unleashing nonstop bangers. God bless Father.

I have been diagnosed with ADHD recently and it has crushed me. The moment I heard Fr Augustine speaks I knew he's got it too 😂 I am so in awe by his joy and candour. That gives me hope.

This might well be one of the greatest Pints With Aquinas episodes ever.

I clicked on this when it first came out, got upset within 30 seconds because I thought "that father is drunk!", and clicked off. That's 100% my crap! I'm a recovering alcoholic and oh boy do I get some kinda way about people drinking. Something made me try again and I'm so glad! I've been praying for Him to reform my thinking and this was a big one. Especially as I have some brain damage, myself, that causes people to make unfair assumptions about ME, which has isolated me for sure. This was a blessing, I am sorry for Fr.Wetta's suffering but yes it was a gift to me today. What an awesome guy!

I'VE SERVED MASSES FOR HIM!! Fr. Augustine is a truly remarkable man, I am so excited to watch this interview

Father Augustine recently was the Priest at a Catholic Family retreat my family attended about an hour away from our home (and his) here in St. Louis. Going in, I hadn’t read any of his books, seen any interviews of him, seen how he was almost eaten by a shark, in fact, I had never heard of him, period. After his intro on the first night, I couldn’t figure out what I thought about him, except that he was very funny. As the weekend unfolded, he administered sacraments, doing face to face confessions, gave spiritual direction (he wouldn’t call it that, because apparently Benedictine Monks “don’t do that” haha), got to know many of us a little, and finally did Mass on Sunday morning. I can tell you that by the end of the weekend, he had proven himself to be one of the oddest, yet most endearing characters I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He’s not really charming, and being funny can only take you so far. No what endeared me to Father Augustine was the Love in his heart, for Christ, his Church, and for his neighbors.

I LOVE IT! Please have Fr. Wetta back! He’s my kind of guy! Also, please pray for me and my three-year-old as I am struggling with depression and burn out. May God bless you all💚

I teared up too. Modelling Jesus by bearing suffering for the sake of others is what makes it bearable.

Oh and a quick side note, Fr Augustine had all of his books on a table in the main meeting room at the retreat (I think all, there were a bunch of ‘em), and he wouldn’t advertise himself, the guy doing the retreat had to tell people he writes books and has them for sale. Then Fr Augustine basically said something to the effect of, “or if you don’t have any money to spend on them just take it”. Later in the weekend he insisted on my wife taking a few of them for free, because I think he sensed us being on the broke side, and he signed and gave us a really nice personal message inside. I really can’t put into words just how endearing this guy turned out being after spending some time with him.

He had the attention of my teenagers. His students are lucky to have him! I also enjoyed Thrsday laughing off camera at Father Wetta's quirky jokes. 😂

This episode makes me want to convert. Also Matt's closing thoughts are spot on

What a soul! Such humility and genuine, thoughtful humanity. Fr. Wetta exudes the brand of approachability that I feel in Christ.

"I'm an expert on humility" 😂 went over Matt's head

I love this guy! The story he told about his niece asking if Jesus ever pooped had me crying laughing 😂

Not even 20 minutes in and I haven’t stopped laughing. This guy is amazing. God Bless them both. Thank you for posting.

This dude is HILARIOUS. And to think I didn't think this was going to be interesting. Kept cracking up his description of cool saints and their patronage.

Thursday giggling in the background is such a delight 😂❤

Of all the Priests you have had this one stands out far beyond! He had me in stitches and tears. At the same time He is being guided by the Holy Spirit!

If he ever becomes a Saint I hope he becomes the patron saint of armor-makers😂

Thursday’s random chuckles in the background is gold

Listening to this had me cracking up for the entire 2:15hr but, living in the current culture, I internally cringed thinking of all the people who would take this guy too seriously and not see him for the GEM he is…. Dang was I encouraged by the comments! You know you’re in the right spot on the internet when you all hear this convo and pretty unanimously decide that 1) this is one of the best pints episodes ever and 2) we’re all fairly certain this dude is going to be the patron saint of something awesome and ridiculous. God bless Fr. Augustine!

As an American, if you don’t announce that you are disappearing into the restroom or shower you’ll likely walk out and find yourself on a missing persons list.

Honestly, this has to be my favorite one yet. I mean, I call myself a nerd, but at the start, I will admit, I was like “this is cool and all, but this dude is a NERD. Kinda weird.” And the more I listened, I was like “but he’s ACTUALLY happy! That’s insane. He has all these things Parkinson's, but he’s HAPPY! And he’s low key kinda cool too!” Reminded me to not be ashamed of who I am, as a nerd and someone who has a bit of awkward speech.

Thank you. Really enjoyed this video. Touched by his emotional response to his illness and the possibility that he has taken on this suffering.in the place of his beloved nieces.

Father Wetta is so refreshing, witty, and relatable. Love him! Please invite him on your show again!

What a vibe this dude has...chill as

Gahhh!! I saw him speak at my incredible Parish (St Mark in Highlands Ranch Colorado ) a few months ago. He is SUCH an awesome human being and inspirational Spiritual Father and SO smart and funny! I feel so honored to have had that experience. Can’t wait to listen to this Matt! Thank you!!

Fr Augustine: I wrote a book on humility... Me: wait a second I have a book on humility...finds book...squeals 😂😂 it's a great book! 👍

I loved this interview. I loved it all the more because Matt seemed so uncomfortable at times. 😂

This dude made me laugh more than most comedians lol

Ok I’m so glad I didn’t opt to watch The Office reruns tonight 😂 this good Father is hilarious ❤ bless him and thank you for your joy, Father!

I wish this man was my pastor. We should all say a Hail Mary that he has a good day ❤

Father is so charming. God love him. 😊

As a Protestant who is learning about liturgy and would like to become Catholic -- my difficulty is the Catholic Church near me sings reallly bad 80’s campfire songs -- it is so difficult . Thanks for the discussion. -- keep plugging for tradition. Also impossible to find a Latin church near me--- my 20 year old grandson is also looking for this. You are so right -- tradition is what will bring us together.

This interview reminded me what a wild being God is. Excellent! Father Wetta is my current #1 choice of a priest I would love to befriend. Again, well done!

Fr. Augustine, I'm 20 minutes in and I must tell you, I love you so very much.

Godliest man you've interviewed. Thank you.

This priest is a crossover of a great saint and a juvenile delinquent! He is very joyful with every reason to be sad and angry. You would think that he doesn't like being a priest as he speaks so deeply and beautifully about his faith. Children don't seem to be his thing as he weeps for his neice. He jokes about being an expert in humility but lives his life as an example of what humility truly means. I could go on with this list... One thing that is for certain is that no matter how exhausting it is, he is an interesting person to have conversation with!

1:10:43 what a beautiful moment. This was such a joy to watch and listen to! Thank you ❤️

Get him back on again please. This was so amazing, I laughed so hard. Father Augustine is a treasure!

I was raised in the Tridentine Mass and loved it, taught myself Latin as a child. Probably should have been a Nun (Benedictine!) but Vatican II....and being a teenager...I went my own way and left the Church. Have had an uncomfortable relationship with the Church ever since - distanced from it much of the time but would never consider any other religion. Old now, and coming to terms with the Church as it is - and as it should be. Singing Gregorian Chant at a Catholic University.

An absolute treasure of an interview. Thank you Matt!

I think some of the humor went over Matt’s head 😂 Poor lil Aussie.

Amazing! Thank you!

Thank you for mentioning Blessed Takayama! My channel is devoted to him and it's great to hear him being mentioned! :)

This is so fun! I thank you for sharing this Priest with the rest of us! " We ought to do it cause it's cool!" 😂😂😂 YES! So much joy right now!

Thank you, Fr. Wetta!

What a beautiful soul. 🙏

This guy is amazing. Have him back!

Matt, you have wonderful instincts. Sadly, just two months ago, my son was taken up to heaven by the plan of the father who in his plan did not inform his mother or I. And the things that have been the hardest are the most mundane things where he should be with us like celebrations with our friends, Christmas presents we had to plan without him as a recipient, and how in the world we move on as parents of a Saint. God bless all the parents who have dealt with similar pain.

I love this guy. He’s a goofball and easy to listen to 😊

This priest is amazing. I think I am letting out a loud laugh every thirty seconds.

This is hilarious!!! And there is an amazing sweetness and innocence in his personality !! Thank you for this -- it's midnight now but my tomorrow will be a great day!!😂❤

What a treat! I can hardly wait! Edit--Post-listening, I have to say that no one makes me laugh more than Fr. Wetta. He's probably the most real monk ever.

1:13:56 oh my goodness im in tears, what a beautiful soul ❤️

This is the greatest podcast episode I have ever experienced. I could watch 10 hours of this

I LOVE THIS GUY

I would have happily listened for hours more. Happy Christmas and God bless ❤

“Golly. I don’t usually cry like this…except for effect.” I love how, even in the midst of a clearly touching and sentimental moment, Fr. Wetta can throw in a comment that still managed to make me laugh even as I felt (and understood) his suffering. Thank God for him!

12:55 I love how uncomfortable Matt looked and you just hear a quiet laugh in the background 😂😂😂 This episode is hilarious, he does such a good job just popping out jokes so casually.

What a sweetheart Fr. Wetta is. Loved listening to him.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this conversation,. Fathers tears are so sweet- a sign of God's tender hand in motion. His honesty and humility is incredible. the story's of suffering are restoring - May God Bless you all~

“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion” Truvy

Thank you, Matt, for this interview. Could we have a series with him on the Saints and what it means to live in joy? Joy has been hijacked by the new age movement, we need to reclaim it. JOY, JOY! This is how the world is supposed to know that we are Catholic; the joy of knowing we are saved. Father Wetta embodies it, I'm so grateful for his vocation. What a warm, funny, sweet, and brilliant man. God bless you, Father, thank you for your surrender and your ministry!!

I'm mostly done listening to this podcast and I felt like I needed to watch it on here, cause he's so wholesome and holy.

I'm just laughing about the poop talk and Father bringing up Christopher West. Cause West's Christmas video was about a figure of a pooping boy that people sometimes add to the nativity scene. Also, Father Augustine seems super cool, I'm ADHD too and boy do I tell stories with the same mannerisms he does 🤣💖 Father Augustine, you should start up a RU-vid channel! I'd love to listen!

I love Thursday’s giggling!!! 🤣🤣🤣

I love this guy!

I. Love. This. And he's hilarious. I laughed out loud so many times.

2:02:38 "...by a friend of our monastery we all call Biker Bob. Because he's a biker. And his name is Bob." I love this dry humour :D

this is by far the funniest episode of Pints

These two are great! But the best part was hearing Thursday in the back trying to restrain his laughter

Matt Fradd has met his match with this guy!

If anyone has ever listened to the family radio program, "Adventures in Odyssey", Fr Wetta is the living embodiment of the character Wooten Bassett. I love listening to this conversation!

Did not think this jolly monk would make me tear up. What a beautiful soul.

This was a great episode. He is down to earth and hilarious. God bless you Fr. Augustine.

This is for this beautiful priest, be more open to be a child, be a child, remember what Christ said about entering heaven and who will hold the highest place when the apostles ask. God bless you and mother Mary hold your heart

Such a Wonderful priest😊 He is so real🙏God Bless him always

What a hilarious friar. Such a down to earth man of God

I laughed. I cried. Father you are a joy.❤❤❤❤

I can’t wait!!! He led a retreat at my work for the retired priests. We had a long conversation afterwards that was very enlightening! Such a great guy!!

Fr. Wets was of the most remarkable guests I can remember. Amazing conversation!

This is by far one of the funniest priests I've ever heard

God bless Father Augustine! I believe he has become one of my favorite Priests! I just want to hug him and give him a lot chat! He is so relatable. I love you Father! Your such a breathe of fresh air! Pray for him, please!!! Post watch edit: you can see Father struggle with distinguishing his thoughts. I believe we should bring more awareness to Parkinson’s disease. He needed more time to answer. A calm and gentle approach, I love Matt so much but I feel at times he was a bit impatient and struck by Fathers jumpy mind and unable to form the sentence the way he was really wanting to.. God bless you both! I love you. ❤️

I’d love if you could get Fr. Wetta on again! He was great and I loved hearing him talk.

Ampleforth Abbey Is The Most Beautiful Abbey and am blessed to have been there❤what a fantastic interview❤THANKYOU love from UK🇬🇧

See you at SEEK 2024!

Ah, so glad we're having stories about saints being told. I hope people take the initiative to read the lives of the saints. Especially of our times! Praise God for their witness.

Oh my goodness, after the week i had, i did not expect to be laughing and crying so hard at this talk! Thank you, i needed that! It's been a long time since i have laughed that hard. I can see Father Wetta becoming a great friend of Shayne Smith. I bet they could do a comedy routine

I love Fr. Augustine! I heard him speak at a youth conference. I was so excited to listen when I saw he was on Pints!

Omg this guy is a pure comedian😂😂

I listened/watched this as I was falling asleep and I blurted out a big laugh!!! Wrong time to watch coz I wide awake way past midnight. Nevertheless, thank you Father, you are so full of Grace. Some part I was worried what will come out of his mouth, but why would I, this dude is cool, funny, so real.