Each year the Paulist ministries across the United States and Rome identify someone who embodies the spirit of the founder of the Paulist Fathers, Servant of God Isaac Hecker,

He was driven by a classic two-fold mission of personal perfection and zeal for souls. At his time, he felt America was ready to explode with faith from the riches of the Catholic Church. So he founded a men’s religious order to help him carry out this mission instilled in his heart by the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of Fr. Isaac Hecker continues today, as the Paulists honor folks around the country to live that spirit in their particular context. The recognized are folks or groups who lives a spirit-filled evangelical life, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and the love of God to the world.

Below are the past winners of the Spirit of Hecker Award
at Old St. Mary’s.