I spent several years in the 80's and 90's going to Father John Hardon SJ, Jesuit retreats. Many times I recall Father Hardon talking about preparing for martyrdom and although I did not understand it then, that he was referring to us in his audience, I do now. Martyrdom comes not only in blood, but like Father Hardon, many will find a dry martyrdom, which is a constant degradation of our faith and being persecuted for following the one true Church. I have dozens of his tapes that I still listen to.
What a holy man! Dry martyrdom, Fr. Fiore used to say it's much harder than martyrdom because it never ends and is always there. Pray for us oh holy Mother of God, that we may remain faithful to our calling/faith.
Just wanted to let everyone know. Anything under "Signs of the Times" should go under the the Forum area Tab of "Sign of the Times" not under the Directory Tab. Someone mistakenly put "Signs of the Times" under the Directory area also. It throws off the flow of the Forum area. I had spoken to Padraig about this previously and he agreed that it was incorrect.
He wrote The Catholic Catechism in 1981 at the request of the Vatican. He then was on the commission to help write the Catholic Catechism that JPII gave he Church. Father Hardon also has the Catholic Dictionary on-line that is most helpful. He has so many other smaller books, like Theology of Prayer and Spiritual Life in the Modern World. You can find these on amazon.com still.
Thanks for that info. I didn't know that about Fr. Hardon,..all I know is everything I have read by him is solid,.especially his writings on Holy Communion. This one has to do with visionaries and mystics,.. Some of his talks are also available on You Tube...
Fr. Hardon said "if the laity in the United States do not rise up the faith will be destroyed in diocese after diocese". He was the impetus behind Steve Brady starting up Roman Catholic Faithful. He would go to priest conferences, and at times, be the only one defending the church teachings. God bless Fr. John Hardon!
