Not far from my office is the beautiful church of St. Paul the Apostle, the headquarters for the Paulists. It’s a great place to visit on a lunch hour; they have Adoration on Friday afternoons and a little shop that is terrific for finding that last minute First Communion gift.

The founder of the Paulists, Isaac Hecker, is buried in the church, in an enormous marble sarcophagus. And he’s garnered much attention lately; New York’s Cardinal Egan has just opened the cause for his sainthood.

You can find out more about Hecker at this website. Meantime, anyone praying for a miracle — and who of us, from time to time, isn’t? — might try this:

Heavenly Father, you called Isaac Hecker to preach the gospel to the people of North America and to know the peace and power of your indwelling Spirit.

Like St. Paul the Apostle, he spoke your Word with a zeal for souls and a burning love for all who came to him in need. Hear our prayer and through the intercession of Father Hecker, grant (state the request).

We ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. One God, forever and ever. Amen.

Any favors received should be reported to:

Postulator for the Cause of Father Hecker
3015 Fourth Street NE
Washington, DC 20017