One on One with Robert Ellsberg

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers

Join us for captivating conversations as we sit down with author, editor, and Orbis Books publisher, Robert Ellsberg. In each episode, Robert Ellsberg engages in intimate and insightful discussions with some of today's most influential authors. These thought-provoking conversations dive into a wide range of topics, including spirituality, social justice, theology, and the transformative power of literature. As a leading figure in the world of Catholic publishing, Robert brings his extensive knowledge and deep love for literature to every conversation. He shares his passion for books that challenge, inspire, and ignite important conversations in today's complex world. Explore the minds of celebrated authors and gain unique insights into their works, motivations, and the impact of their writing on society. From spirituality to activism, these interviews uncover the power of words to heal, transform, and connect. Whether you're an avid reader, a seeker of wisdom, or simply looking for engaging conversations, you'll find inspiration and enlightenment in these dialogues. Join us as we explore the world of literature, faith, and social justice, one author at a time.

  1. Todd Walatka, One On One Interview | Orbis Books

    MAR 5

    Todd Walatka, One On One Interview | Orbis Books

    Join Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books, in this One On One interview with Todd Walatka, as they discuss  Words of Life: The Preaching of Saint Oscar Romero https://maryknoll.link/3fo St. Óscar Romero, the archbishop of San Salvador, who was slain at the altar while saying Mass in 1980, is undoubtedly one of the towering figures of the modern church. More than four decades later, his words and witness are a source of challenge and inspiration. It is arguably Romero’s homilies that provide the best and most intimate portrait of his testimony. Yet that message, in six volumes totaling more than 2,500 pages, has been hard to access. In Words of Life: The Preaching of St. Óscar Romero, Todd Walatka has selected a dozen of his most iconic sermons, beginning with his homily following the assassination of his friend, Jesuit Father Rutilio Grande, in 1977, and concluding with his final homily on the day of his assassination three years later. Broadcast live on the radio from his cathedral in San Salvador, Romero’s Sunday homilies were a national and ecclesial event. While reflecting aloud on the Word of God, he related the gospel to the daily events in El Salvador. Addressing the hopes, joys, and anguish of his suffering people, he was also careful to document the accelerating incidence of human rights violations. But if Romero’s preaching had political implications, these sermons show how deeply his response to the world was rooted in his deep incarnational faith. Following the path of the Son of God who took on our flesh, Romero urged his flock to incarnate the gospel message in their own lives in their commitment both to charity and to justice. All the while, he knew the risks he was taking. Yet he persisted to the end. As he said in his final sermon, “Those who seek to shun danger will lose their lives, whereas those who, for love of Christ, dedicate themselves to the service of others will live. . . . They are like that grain of wheat that dies, at least in appearance. If the grain does not die, it remains alone. If it yields a crop, it is because it dies, allowing itself to be immolated in the earth.” Todd Walatka is a professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame who has taught and researched on Óscar Romero for a number of years. He is the editor of Óscar Romero and Catholic Social Teaching and author of Von Balthasar and the Option for the Poor. Get your copy today:  https://maryknoll.link/3fo #OrbisBooks #ToddWalatka  #RobertEllsberg  #OscarRomero #CatholicSocialTeaching

    37 min
  2. Liza J. Rankow, One On One Interview | Orbis Books

    FEB 5

    Liza J. Rankow, One On One Interview | Orbis Books

    Join Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books, in this One On One interview with Liza J. Rankow , as they discuss  Soul Medicine for a Fractured World: Healing, Justice, and the Path of Wholeness https://maryknoll.link/29b Each day brings news of worsening ecological, political, and social upheaval. None of us individually can solve the intersecting crises we face; we are not meant to. Yet each of us carries a vital gift for these times. As we navigate the collapse of a world built on domination and division, we can engage in the birthing of new possibilities, finding strength in our belonging to a wholeness that is ancient, infinite, and eternal. Combining the insightful analysis of a longtime grassroots activist with the compassion of a seasoned spiritual guide, Liza J. Rankow shows readers how to live with purpose and meaning, not just in spite of the rising tide of calamities around us, but as our response to them. With an approach to liberation inspired by “mystic activists” from various faith and cultural traditions, Soul Medicine for a Fractured World offers an integrative path toward healing and social transformation, rooted in our kinship with one another, the Earth, and all of life.  Rich with practical application, the book includes questions for reflection as well as an array of spiritual and healing practices to help readers put the ideas shared into embodied action. Liza J. Rankow, PhD, MHS, is an interfaith minister, educator, activist, and writer. Her lifework centers the deep healing that is essential to personal and social transformation. Liza is the founder and former executive director of OneLife Institute, which for almost 20 years supported the well-being of frontline activists, caregivers, and community. She has been a spiritual counselor and teacher for more than three decades, and is co-editor of The Living Wisdom of Howard Thurman audio collection.  Get your copy today:  https://maryknoll.link/29b #OrbisBooks #LizaJRankow  #RobertEllsberg #activism #Theology #ecology #politics

    33 min
  3. John S. Munayer and Samuel S. Munayer, One On One Interview | Orbis Books

    11/13/2025

    John S. Munayer and Samuel S. Munayer, One On One Interview | Orbis Books

    Join Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books, in this One On One interview with John S. Munayer and Samuel S. Munayer, as they discuss The Cross and the Olive Tree: Cultivating Palestinian Theology amid Gaza https://maryknoll.link/v3h  From the lived theology of grandmothers to traditions of scholarship, from ancient liturgies to contemporary resistance, eight Palestinian Christian theologians offer a crucial and vibrant perspective on liberation, reconciliation, and divine imagination. Written within the heart of suffering, the cross and the olive tree interpret each other in an unwavering hope, symbols of faith and homeland. John Munayer is a Palestinian theologian from Jerusalem and holds degrees from King’s College London, the University of Edinburgh, and VU University Amsterdam. John is currently involved in interreligious activism and is the founder and editor of the Journal of Palestinian Christianity at the Bethlehem Bible College. He is a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, researching the political theology of the Palestinian laity in relation to the Holy Fire ceremony.   Samuel Munayer is a Palestinian theologian from Jerusalem and holds degrees from Durham University and Exeter University. Samuel works as an advocacy and access officer for a humanitarian organization that works in Gaza and the West Bank. He recently co-authored with John the article entitled, “Decolonising Palestinian Liberation Theology: New Methods, Sources, and Voices.” Get your copy today:  https://maryknoll.link/v3h #PalestinianTheology #LiberationTheology #OrbisBooks #FaithAndJustice

    32 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Join us for captivating conversations as we sit down with author, editor, and Orbis Books publisher, Robert Ellsberg. In each episode, Robert Ellsberg engages in intimate and insightful discussions with some of today's most influential authors. These thought-provoking conversations dive into a wide range of topics, including spirituality, social justice, theology, and the transformative power of literature. As a leading figure in the world of Catholic publishing, Robert brings his extensive knowledge and deep love for literature to every conversation. He shares his passion for books that challenge, inspire, and ignite important conversations in today's complex world. Explore the minds of celebrated authors and gain unique insights into their works, motivations, and the impact of their writing on society. From spirituality to activism, these interviews uncover the power of words to heal, transform, and connect. Whether you're an avid reader, a seeker of wisdom, or simply looking for engaging conversations, you'll find inspiration and enlightenment in these dialogues. Join us as we explore the world of literature, faith, and social justice, one author at a time.

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