
Produced by David McClamrock
THE LIFE OF FATHER HECKER
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
CHAPTER I.—CHILDHOOD II.—YOUTH III.—THE TURNING-POINT IV.—LED BY THE SPIRIT V.—AT BROOK FARM VI.—INNER LIFE WHILE AT BROOK FARM VII.—STRUGGLES VIII.—FRUITLANDS IX.—SELF-QUESTIONINGS X.—AT HOME AGAIN XI.—STUDYING AND WRITING XII.—THE MYSTIC AND THE PHILOSOPHER XIII.—HIS SEARCH AMONG THE SECTS XIV.—HIS LIFE AT CONCORD XV.—AT THE DOOR OF THE CHURCH XVI.—AT THE DOOR OF THE CHURCH—(Continued) XVII.—ACROSS THE THRESHOLD XVIII.—NEW INFLUENCES XIX.—YEARNINGS AFTER CONTEMPLATION XX.—FROM NEW YORK TO ST. TROND XXI.—BROTHER HECKER XXII.—HOW BROTHER HECKER MADE HIS STUDIES AND WAS ORDAINED PRIEST XXIII.—A REDEMPTORIST MISSIONARY XXIV.—SEPARATION FROM THE REDEMPTORISTS XXV.—BEGINNINGS OF THE PAULIST COMMUNITY XXVI.—FATHER HECKER'S IDEA OF A RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY XXVII.—FATHER HECKER'S SPIRITUAL DOCTRINE XXVIII.—THE PAULIST PARISH AND MISSIONS XXIX.—FATHER HECKER'S LECTURES XXX.—THE APOSTOLATE OF THE PRESS XXXI.—THE VATICAN COUNCIL XXXII.—THE LONG ILLNESS XXXIII.—"THE EXPOSITION OF THE CHURCH" XXXIV.—IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH XXXV.—CONCLUSION
CHAPTER I - CHILDHOOD
CHAPTER II - YOUTH
CHAPTER III - THE TURNING-POINT
CHAPTER IV - LED BY THE SPIRIT
CHAPTER V - AT BROOK FARM
"GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS."
The biography opens with a vivid portrait of Isaac Hecker’s modest beginnings, tracing his childhood on a humble farm and the formative experiences that sparked his curiosity about faith. Through sketches of his youthful wanderings and the moment that redirected his path, the narrative reveals how a deep inner stirring led him to pursue a life guided by the Spirit. Early encounters with mentors and his first attempts at religious study illustrate a restless mind eager to blend contemplation with action.
As Hecker moves beyond his initial doubts, the book follows his earnest quest for a community that could live out the Gospel’s call in everyday America. His emerging vision—rooted in prayerful service, open dialogue, and a willingness to step beyond traditional borders—offers listeners a glimpse of the convictions that would later inspire a new kind of missionary spirit. The first part of his story sets the stage for a life that continues to resonate with those seeking purpose and authentic faith.
Language
en
Duration
~17 hours (1016K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-04-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1842–1928
A Civil War veteran, lawyer, and missionary priest, he brought unusual energy and range to Catholic writing in the United States. He is best remembered for a widely read life of Isaac Hecker that helped spark the "Americanism" controversy.
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