Word on Fire, Ablaze for 25 Years

Today is Bishop Robert Barron's birthday.  It's particularly special to celebrate him as this year marks the 25th anniversary of Word on Fire, the organization he founded.

I watched a mini-documentary about Word on Fire's origins that was released on October 1, the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux, who is a patron of the organization.  Cardinal George heard the call of Pope St. John Paul II to launch a new evangelization.  He recognized the gifts of then-Father Barron, and tapped him to spearhead the work of the New Evangelization.

Something Bishop Barron said in recent months speaks to the nature of Word on Fire.  He says that the Church should move beyond functions inside church buildings and go out to where people are.  He started by broadcasting homilies on the radio.  Now, Word on Fire has become a huge media-driven organization,  providing stellar resources to proclaim the faith in print and oline.  One great example, among the many books from Word on Fire, is the one on the Eucharist.  Its YouTube channel lots of great content.  There's also the Word on Fire program with stimulating discussions.   Bishop Barron hosts interviews with many people to talk about principles of faith.  One I recently listened to was with Rabbi Soloveichik, a fellow member of a presidential committee on religious freedom.  And he offers a weekly homily, which deeply emphasizes the truths of faith and how they should impact us.  He offer makes a remark saying, "Fellow sinners", noting that there are times when we don't live up to the call of living faithfully.  He also draws principles from the readings that summons us to strive deeply for what matters most in life, like loving as willing the good of the other.  He has a truly gifted mind, and this occasions gives us so much to celebrate.

It's a ministry that continues the call of Pope St. John Paul II and Cardinal George.  IT's great that Bishop Barron is visionary in launching a Word on Fire Order that will continue this work into the future, so the Church can continue to answer the call to boldly proclaim the faith.

I saw Bishop Barron speak in person at the National Eucharistic Congress before 50000 people inside Lucas Oil Stadium on July 20, 2024.  When he came out on the stage, people spontaneously gave him a standing ovation.  After a powerful talk on what chastity, obedience, and poverty for all of us, he intended to quote St. Catherine of Siena's attributed statement, "Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire."  Instead, he slipped, and said "...you will set the Word on Fire".

Perhaps that slip speaks to the impact of how Word on Fire has helped people to be who God meant them to be and set the world on fire.

Happy Birthday Bishop Barron!

Congratulations and God's Blessing to Word on Fire!