In this compelling talk, Father John Hardon emphasizes the critical importance of youth in the Church’s mission to re-convert America to Christ (0:30). He argues that young people possess a unique exuberant energy and, due to high levels of academic training on college campuses, have a special political and social importance (0:53).
Father Hardon encourages adults to foster friendly relationships with the young, sharing their own experiences and apostolic zeal to inspire them to become active witnesses of the faith (7:04).A central theme of the talk is the apostolate of ‘like-to-like,’ which Father Hardon describes as the distinctive feature of the lay apostolate (16:17). Because lay people are constantly in close contact with others in their workplaces, families, and neighborhoods, they have a solemn duty to witness to their faith through their actions, conversations, and by utilizing modern media (16:58).
He emphasizes that this personal apostolate is not optional but an obligation of charity upon which our salvation depends (31:00). Finally, Father Hardon calls for a concerted, well-organized effort to reclaim parishes and dioceses for Christ (53:36). He warns against simply following majority votes and urges the faithful to be fervently devoted to prayer, as only through deep spiritual life can they withstand the pressure of public opinion in a paganized culture (59:40). The talk serves as a urgent call for Catholics to deeply understand their faith and actively share it, ensuring that Catholic education and truth are passed down to future generations (1:06:55).
