Long before the advent of a written history, ancient civilizations used stories to teach each new generation. Stories were used to inform, to inspire, to instruct and to illustrate profound truths that needed to be communicated somehow to others.

Sacred Scripture is filled with stories, especially the Gospels. As part of the Word of God they reveal God’s saving plan and purpose culminating in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Church too, has employed the power of story to retell the lives of the saints and to recapture and relive important moments in Church history.

The purpose of this website is to provide a public forum for individuals and families to share and submit their own stories of Fr. John Hardon, S.J., whose cause for canonization has been formally initiated. For nearly 53 years as a priest and 64 as a Jesuit, Father touched the lives of countless souls by his preaching and teaching and by his profound words and witness.

Our hope is to compile personal testimonies to include in the Institute on Religious Life’s 2010 National Meeting program booklet. The theme of this symposium will be “For the Greater Glory of God: The Theological, Spiritual and Apostolic Legacy of Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.”

We will also send the stories to the postulator of Father Hardon’s cause. In some cases he may wish to contact those who submitted stories, for clarification or additional details. Such testimonies may prove valuable, too, for future biographers about the Servant of God.

Share your story with us — press Submit Your Story. Provide us with your contact information and enter your story in the space provided.

Sincerely in the Lord,

Michael D. Wick
IRL Executive Director