How St. Augustine contributed to religious life
History of Religious Life St. Augustine and the Religious Life by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J. The Institute of Religious Life and the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence bring you the fourth in a series of lectures given by Fr. John A. Hardon S.J. on the theme: History...
The Mission of the Word
John the evangelist carefully distinguishes between the role of St. John the Baptist as the precursor of Christ, and Christ as the Divine Person who was sent by the Father to enlighten and thus redeem the world. As important as John the Baptist was in identifying...
The development of Church and state policy in the early centuries
by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J. The question of Church and State and the problems to which their relation has given rise, are as old as Christianity. In a true sense there was no problem of Church and State before the advent of Christ when, for all practical purposes, the...
The Ascension of our Lord is a promise
On the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord, which is the closing of our Lord’s stay visibly on earth, this is both a commemoration and a promise and a condition. It is first of all, a commemoration. Christ really rose from the dead. Christ really ascended into heaven....
What is the key to holiness?
by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J. We address ourselves to the questions: “Why and how are Members of the Fatima Family Apostolate called to Holiness?” Needless to say, this subject covers an ocean of ideas. That is why I wish to limit myself to just four questions and...
Mary as Model Catechist for Parents
by Fr. John Hardon, S.J. We do not usually talk about Mary as a catechist, and we do not commonly think of her as a model for those who catechize. But the Blessed Virgin Mary is not only a pattern, she is a perfect model of what every catechist in the Catholic Church...
The heart of the Fatima message
by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J. On May 13, 1982, Pope John Paul II offered the Sacrifice of the Mass in Fatima, during his pilgrimage of gratitude to Portugal. During the Mass, the Pope preached a lengthy homily on “Mary’s Maternal Love.” This homily I consider the most...
Incarnation: Our God, Jesus Christ, was carried in Mary’s womb
The Mother of God by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J. We address Our Lady as Mother of God every time we recite the Hail Mary, and say, “Holy Mary, Mother of God.” This title is at once the most fundamental Marian profession of our Catholic faith, and the most endearing in...
Christ Himself must first be known as the God-man
The Incarnation is the central doctrine of Christianity, so its meaning and its importance should be the focal point of Christian education.
Prayer is conversation with our adorable God
In prayer, we can approach God as our generous benefactor from whom we receive and continue receiving everything we are and possess.