An Invitation from Cardinal Burke to become a Marian Catechist

I write to all those who have been associated with the Marian Catechist Apostolate since its foundation by the beloved Servant of God Father John A. Hardon, S.J., and to those who have come to know the Marian Catechist Apostolate since his death on December 30, 2000. I write also to all who desire the doctrinal and spiritual formation necessary to be a catechist.

Over the years, from the time that I first met Father Hardon, we thoroughly discussed the essential elements of the Marian Catechist Apostolate, and I began to promote the use of his program of doctrinal and spiritual training for the preparation and ongoing formation of catechists in the Diocese of La Crosse and in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, in which I served as Diocesan Bishop. In short, I encouraged catechists to become Consecrated Marian Catechists. When Father Hardon was gravely ill and approaching death, he asked me to assume the direction of the Marian Catechist Apostolate.

In the Marian Catechist Manual, Father Hardon sets forth plainly the origin and purpose of the Marian Catechist Apostolate, and the activities of Marian Catechists. The Marian Catechist Manual is the vademecum or handbook of all Marian Catechists. If you have any questions regarding the nature and work of the Apostolate, I urge you to consult this helpful guide. https://mariancatechist.com/blogs/formation/the-marian-catechist-manual

For some years now, the offices of the International Coordinator of the Marian Catechist Apostolate have been located at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in accord with the express desire of Father Hardon when he visited the Shrine during the last years of his life. The Marian Catechist Bookstore, located in the Pilgrim Center of the Shrine, is already in operation and provides excellent resources for the doctrinal and spiritual development of catechists. In time, Father Hardon’s Library and the Archive of the Cause for his Beatification and Canonization – the Father John Anthony Hardon Catechetical Center – will be located at the Shrine. The Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House, now under construction at the Shrine, will provide a large conference room and two smaller conference rooms, and thirty-three guest rooms for the use of the Marian Catechist Apostolate. When the construction is completed, God willing, in January of 2027, Marian Catechists will have a fitting place to gather for private study and reflection, spiritual and doctrinal courses, and spiritual retreats.

When the Father John Anthony Hardon Catechetical Center is able to be built, it will house the offices of the International Coordinator. For now, however, those offices are located in the Marian Catechist Bookstore at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse.

I invite you to give yourself to the service of Christ as either an Active or a Contemplative Consecrated Marian Catechist. Those who are unable to complete the doctrinal studies and/or fulfill the spiritual practices of a Consecrated Marian Catechist are invited to participate in the work of the Apostolate as Associate members.

If you have not already done so, I ask you to register officially through the offices of the International Coordinator in order that you may receive the particular actual graces which come from participation in the Apostolate. Registration also makes it possible to receive important information and to take part in meetings and retreats of the Apostolate. To register, simply fill out the application form found at: https://mariancatechist.com/membership-application/ or email the International Coordinator at: internationaloffice@mariancatechist.com for more information. Anyone who wishes to identify as a Marian Catechist is required to register.

Finally, in accord with Father Hardon’s directives, the Marian Catechist Apostolate practices the evangelical counsel of poverty. Therefore, the Marian Catechist Apostolate depends exclusively on charitable gifts for its day-to-day operation. I ask for your generosity in helping to provide for the material needs of the Apostolate: https://mariancatechist.com/pages/donate

Please keep the Apostolate and me in your prayers. Be assured that I pray each day for all members of the Marian Catechist Apostolate – Active and Contemplative Consecrated Marian Catechists and Associate Marian Catechists. May Almighty God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – bless you, your home and your apostolate of catechesis.

I confide you and your intentions to the all-loving intercession of the Virgin Mother of God, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of America, Star of the New Evangelization, and Patroness of the Marian Catechist Apostolate.

Yours devotedly in the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
International Director of the Marian Catechist Apostolate