More on the Archive and Guild

Located in the shadow of the majestic dome of the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, the Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Archive and Guild opened in November of 2007, after the Nihil Obstat was issued from the Vatican on May 31 of the same year. Many of Fr. Hardon’s personal effects are temporarily housed at the archive, until the Fr. John A. Hardon Catechetical Center and Retreat House opens at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The archive also serves as the repository for all documentation of the activity of the cause, such as testimonials collected, correspondence with the Vatican and Fr. Hardon’s academic files and materials. Since its purpose is to serve as the focal point for the work of the cause, opening the Fr. John A. Hardon S.J., Archive and Guild was an essential step forward.

My initial objective, upon arriving at the archive in Saint Louis last November, was to organize the hundreds of boxes that contained the bulk of Fr. Hardon’s personal library. With such a massive collection of books, it was a challenge to settle upon a suitable space for the library. Once the location was settled on however, work began immediately. I’m happy to report that this process is now well underway. Once the books are organized and shelved, they will be entered into a computer system, similar to what you may find at a public library. Eventually this rich assortment of books, which includes Fr. Hardon’s preferred selection of books called the Catholic Lifetime Reading Program, will be available to the faithful for research purposes.

Another goal at the archive is the creation of a Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Room. This unique room will contain a display case featuring a number of Fr. Hardon’s personal effects, copies of books written by him and a sample of some of the rare books found in his personal library.

As developments unfold, I’ll be sure to pass them along to the visitors of this site. This website is under construction, so please check back frequently to follow our progress! Please remember the work of the archive in your prayers and thanks for paying a visit!

-James Maldonado Berry