Descent Into Light courageously unpacks stories often left untold—stories of adults harmed within religious settings, including everything from sexual abuse to the broader reality of spiritual abuse. Co-creators Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble and Sister Danielle Victoria Lussier draw on their experiences to illustrate the broader picture of how adult abuse unfolds in spiritual settings, focusing specifically on the setting of the Catholic Church.
www.sistersofthelittleway.com
Chart trend
Position in the Religion chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#94#187JunJulAugSep
#14
all-time peak
178
days in the top 50 since Dec 2025
Latest episodes
Showing 10 · updated from the feed
BONUS | Dr. Marcus Mescher on Moral Injury
In this special bonus episode of Descent into Light, we welcome back Catholic moral theologian Marcus Mescher to dive deeper into a crucial concept from Episode 3: Moral
Sep 2 22 min
VIII: Hope Illumines the Dark
What does it mean to hope—not with blind optimism, but with the quiet strength born from walking through darkness?
In Episode Eight of Descent Into Light, “Hope Illumine
Nov 19 2025 1 h 14 min
VII: Exposed to the Light
What happens when the truth you’ve been waiting for finally comes—but not in the way you hoped?
In Episode Seven of Descent Into Light, “Exposed to the Light,” we step i
Nov 12 2025 59 min
VI: Forging A Little Way
What happens when truth-telling threatens to cost you everything?
In Episode Six of Descent Into Light, “Forging A Little Way,” Sr. Theresa Aletheia and Sr. Danielle Vic
Nov 5 2025 56 min
V: The Displaced Weight of Abuse
How does the weight of abuse get displaced onto those who least deserve it?
In Episode Five of Descent Into Light, “The Displaced Weight of Abuse,” we follow Sr. Theresa
Oct 29 2025 53 min
IV: Bargaining with the Storm
How do we face the truth about spiritual abuse when it comes at a cost?
In Episode Four of Descent Into Light, “Bargaining with the Storm,” Sr. Danielle Victoria takes l
Oct 22 2025 1 h 02 min
III: The Courage to Be Angry
When the truth about abuse in spiritual settings comes to light, anger is inevitable. But what does it mean to feel it fully?
In Episode Three of Descent Into Light, “Th
Oct 15 2025 59 min
II: Bride Grooming
How can something that feels holy also be harmful? What does grooming look like when it happens to adults?
In Episode Two of Descent Into Light, “Bride Grooming,” Sr. Da
Oct 8 2025 57 min
I: Sacred Trust Shattered
What happens when a spiritual leader you trust turns out to be someone very different from what you believed?
In Episode One of Descent Into Light, “Sacred Trust Shatter
Oct 1 2025 59 min
An Introduction
Descent Into Light courageously unpacks stories often left untold—stories of adults harmed within religious settings, including everything from sexual abuse to the broade
Sep 29 2025 3 min
Chart positions
Where Descent Into Light ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 6, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
A tremendous podcast that applies throughout society. They share great wisdom on a dark reality of our world. The Holy Spirit is clearly at work with these Sisters! Very well produced.
Tom Pax7 · Nov 2025
This isn’t by any means an easy listen, but it’s SO important to delve into the structures and circumstances that precede abuse in the Church if we want to prevent it in the future. I’m sending it to every Catholic I know who’s concerned about this issue.
ecbyers · Nov 2025
I am so grateful for the Sisters of the Little Way and their important mission. As someone who has experienced spiritual abuse, I understand how soul crushing it is. I believe spiritual abuse is the chief reason that so many Catholics have fallen away, and the most important issue we must tackle as a Church.
This podcast is difficult for me to listen to, as it conjures up treatment that I didn’t deserve and reminds me that I have been powerless and have not seen justice in a system that protects itself. But these sisters and the experts who have contributed to the podcast give me hope. It is very well produced.
I have shared with others and have been surprised by how it resonated with people I didn’t expect. I have tried to broach this subject before with less success, but something about the sisters’ story has broken through. Maybe religious sisters are easier to believe. Descent Into Light gives words to people’s painful and confusing experiences, helping them understand what has happened to them. Maybe this is the beginning of real change.
kicklucy · Nov 2025
I deeply appreciate the honestly and tenderness with which Sr. Danielle and St. Theresa share their stories. It is difficult to face the reality of abuse in the church, but it is necessary to put an end to the cycle and heal.
Gabriell.C · Nov 2025
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Descent Into Light, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
