Frank Cordaro

Frank Cordaro

Author: Mike Matteuzzi April 29, 2021 Duration: 1:12:16

Frank Cordaro 70 yr old Des Moines native, former Des Moines Diocesan Catholic priest for 19 years, co-founder of the Des Moines Catholic Worker in 1976.  Frank calls the Berrigan brothers Dan and Phil his rabbis. His 1st arrest on the steps of the Pentagon Aug 9, 1977. Frank’s been arrested hundreds of times, in lots of places, for a wide range of issues over the years, spending over nights, to months in jails or prisons.  Collectively Frank has done 6 years of jail and/or prison time, never more than 6 months at a time over the last 44 yrs.

Two weeks after 9/11 in 2001 Frank suffered a life threatening heartache. After a long recovery and an even longer decrement process Frank resigned from active priestly ministry in 2004. In a public statement he said he wanted to live, that his long standing conflict at maintaining celibacy was too much to bear.

Frank’s been living and working at the Des Moines Catholic Worker since 2004. Life at the Des Moines Catholic Worker has given Frank a place and tradition that allows him to remain Catholic and follow the radical Jesus he came to know in the Gospels and in the people he’s served over the years.



Hosted by Mike Matteuzzi, Contemporary Spirituality is a quiet space for thoughtful conversation in a noisy world. This podcast explores the nuanced and often personal ways people are finding meaning, connection, and a sense of the sacred outside of traditional frameworks. Each episode features genuine dialogues with thinkers, artists, practitioners, and everyday people who are navigating their own spiritual paths. You’ll hear reflections on mindfulness in modern life, the intersection of creativity and the inner self, and how ancient wisdom can adapt to contemporary questions. The focus is on depth over doctrine, offering more questions than easy answers. It’s designed for those who feel they are seeking something more substantial, a layer of experience that everyday life often glosses over. By listening to this podcast, you join a community of curious minds exploring what it means to cultivate a spiritual perspective amidst the complexities of the twenty-first century. Mike guides these conversations with a grounded and open curiosity, ensuring each discussion remains accessible and relevant, whether the topic falls under religion, philosophy, or personal practice. This is for the sincere seeker looking to enrich their journey with diverse voices and thoughtful perspectives.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 26

Contemporary Spirituality
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