Fiat: Forming Faithful and Fruitful Priests by Rev. Alfredo I. Hernández

Fiat: Forming Faithful and Fruitful Priests by Rev. Alfredo I. Hernández

Fiat: Forming Faithful and Fruitful Priests

by Rev. Alfredo I. Hernández

Drawing on six years of rector’s conferences at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Fiat offers a rich vision of priestly formation rooted in joyful fidelity to Christ. Fr. Alfredo Hernández reflects on holiness, preaching, leadership, celibacy, hope, fraternity, and pastoral charity, inviting seminarians and priests to renew their daily “yes” to God’s call. Grounded in Scripture, Church teaching, and practical wisdom, this inspiring volume equips faithful shepherds for fruitful, lifelong ministry.

Paperback: $29.99 | Audible: $14.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Fr. Alfredo Hernández offers the Church a rich collection of reflections born from the lived experience of priestly formation. These conferences are not simply theological reflections on the priesthood; they are the words of a rector speaking directly to men preparing to give their lives to Christ and His Church. With honesty, warmth, pastoral wisdom, and at times a welcome touch of humor, Fr. Hernández invites seminarians and priests alike to consider what it means to say “fiat”—a joyful and faithful “yes”—to God each day. These conferences will serve seminarians, priests, and all who love the priesthood by reminding us that the goal of formation is not simply to prepare men to become priests, but to help them become faithful, fruitful, and joyful priests who reveal the face of Christ to the people entrusted to their care.” – Very Rev. Joshua J. Rodrigue, S.T.L., Rector-President, Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, LA

“Fr. A. Hernández’s conferences to our future priests enrich us all in our quest for Christian perfection.” +Bishop Felipe Estévez, 10th Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine

“Fr. Alfredo offers wise and deeply personal reflections for seminarians, priests, and all who share in the work of priestly formation. Drawing upon Scripture, Church teaching, and his six years as rector, these conferences invite clergy and laity to renew their daily fiat to Christ and his Church. This timely resource encourages and challenges us to form priests whose lives reveal the face of Christ and whose ministry is faithful, fruitful, and joyful.” — Rev. Andrew Turner, Rector, Saint Mary Seminary, Cleveland, Ohio

“Fr. Alfredo Hernández offers a compelling vision of priesthood rooted in holiness, fraternity, and joyful fidelity. These reflections speak from experience, challenge the heart, and inspire priests and seminarians to renew their daily fiat to Christ.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, Lay Dominican of the Province of St. Albert the Great

REVIEW BY MOST REVEREND MANUEL DE JESÚS RODRÍGUEZ, J.C.D., BISHOP OF PALM BEACH

It is a privilege to commend this collection of conferences, which under the title Fiat: Forming Faithful and Fruitful Priests, is being shared us by the Very Reverend Alfredo Hernández out from his insightful “Rector’s Conferences” during his years of service as Rector of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary from 2020 to 2026. These pages offer more than a record of conferences delivered; they bear witness to a priestly ministry devoted with remarkable constancy to one of the Church’s most important responsibilities: the formation of future priests.

 

Throughout his years as Rector, Father Hernández has served the seminarians entrusted to his care with untiring dedication, sound wisdom, and genuine paternal solicitude. His ministry has been characterized by a spirit of zealous accompaniment: walking closely with men discerning and preparing for the priesthood, encouraging their human and spiritual maturity, strengthening their love for Christ and His Church, and helping them embrace with freedom and generosity the demands of priestly life.

 

The significance of this service extends well beyond the Seminary itself. Through the formation of generations of seminarians from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Father Hernández has contributed quietly but profoundly to the future of the Church throughout our region. The priests formed under his leadership will carry into parishes and communities something of the wisdom, discipline, pastoral charity, and priestly fraternity cultivated during their years at St. Vincent de Paul.

 

This volume preserves something of that formative mission. Behind its reflections stands the experience of a priest and formator who understands that priestly formation is never merely academic or institutional: it is ultimately the patient work of helping a man configure his entire life to Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest and Good Shepherd.

 

I therefore welcome the publication of these conferences with gratitude and affection. May they serve not only as a testimony to Father Hernández’s remarkably fruitful years as Rector, but also as a source of encouragement for seminarians, priests, formators, and all those who labor generously for the renewal and holiness of the priesthood.

 

With gratitude for Father Hernández’s devoted service to the Church, I gladly commend this volume to its readers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Rev. Alfredo I. Hernández has served as President-Rector of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida, since 2020. He previously served the seminary as Vice-Rector, Academic Dean, and a member of the formation faculty from 1997 to 1999 and again from 2013 to 2020.

Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Palm Beach in 1992, he served 14 years as Pastor of St. Juliana Parish in West Palm Beach, from 1999 to 2013, and a year as the director of permanent diaconate formation from 2015 to 2016. He has served as President of the National Association of Catholic Theological Schools (NACTS) since 2024.

 
He earned an STL in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and a PhD in Pastoral Studies from North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

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The Painted Pulpit: Corita Kent, Visual Theology and the Practice of Preaching by Fr. Dominic G. Ciriaco

The Painted Pulpit: Corita Kent, Visual Theology and the Practice of Preaching by Fr. Dominic G. Ciriaco

The Painted Pulpit: Corita Kent, Visual Theology and the Practice of Preaching

by Fr. Dominic G. Ciriaco

In The Painted Pulpit, Dominic G. Ciriaco explores the intersection of art, theology, and preaching through the life and work of Corita Kent, the celebrated “Pop Art Nun.” Drawing on Scripture, the theology of beauty, and contemporary homiletics, Ciriaco demonstrates how Kent’s creative techniques can enrich the preacher’s imagination and transform proclamation into a vivid encounter with the Gospel. Blending theological reflection with practical guidance, this work invites preachers, teachers, and artists to rediscover visual theology as a powerful means of communicating the Word of God.

Full-Color Paperback: $19.95 | Audible: $14.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Dominic Ciriaco demonstrates that great preaching is not only heard but also seen. By bringing Corita Kent’s artistic vision into dialogue with Catholic theology and homiletics, The Painted Pulpit offers a fresh and compelling resource for proclaiming the Gospel with creativity, beauty, and imagination.” —Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rev. Dominic Ciriaco is a Roman Catholic priest who was ordained for the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, on May 29, 1999. Fr. Ciriaco attended Caldwell University for his undergraduate work in social studies and education. He received a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in systematic theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary/Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. In 2023, Fr. Ciriaco completed his Doctor of Ministry in preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. His dissertation focused on the interconnectedness between the visual arts and preaching.

Throughout his priestly ministry, Fr. Ciriaco has served as a theology teacher and campus minister in several archdiocesan high schools. He has served in several parishes as a parochial vicar and as a pastor. Fr. Ciriaco served for nine years with the Society of St. Sulpice in seminary formation work. Here he served at Theological College at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., as a mentor, spiritual director, Vice Rector, and Rector. He also served on the faculty of St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland, as Director of Preaching and Spirituality. Currently, he is the Director of the Preaching as Hospitality Formation Program at his alma mater, Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, New Jersey. He is also an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey, where he teaches courses on art and the Catholic Faith.

 

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Stop Pushing: A Gender Response to Life and Sacred Scripture by Fr. Eugen Nkardzedze

Stop Pushing: A Gender Response to Life and Sacred Scripture by Fr. Eugen Nkardzedze

Stop Pushing: A Gender Response to Life and Sacred Scripture

by Fr. Eugen Nkardzedze

Stop Pushing offers a thought-provoking exploration of masculinity, femininity, and the Christian life through the lens of Sacred Scripture and the Catholic intellectual tradition. Fr. Eugen Nkardzedze argues that men and women respond to God and the world in complementary ways, inviting readers to recover the forgotten virtues of listening, receptivity, and spiritual balance. Blending biblical reflection, theological insight, personal stories, and pastoral wisdom, this work challenges contemporary assumptions while calling Christians to hear God’s voice more deeply.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Fr. Eugen Nkardzedze offers a fresh and engaging meditation on Scripture, the human person, and the complementary gifts of men and women. Stop Pushing invites readers to recover the transformative power of listening for the voice of God.” —Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fr. Eugen Nkardzedze, PhD, is a priest of the Diocese of Kumbo in Cameroon. He is currently serving on a missionary assignment in the Diocese of Beaumont, Texas. He is also the author of The Spirituality of Humor and Laughter: Why Good Things Happen to Bad People, Keep the Basket away from the Casket: Seven Indictments against the Collection of Mass Offerings in Church, and Nkar: The Village of Myths and Legends.

 

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Pastoral Tip of the Day: 365 Daily Reflections for Newly Ordained Priests by Rev. Shane Deman, S.T.D.

Pastoral Tip of the Day: 365 Daily Reflections for Newly Ordained Priests by Rev. Shane Deman, S.T.D.

Pastoral Tip of the Day: 365 Daily Reflections for Newly Ordained Priests

by Rev. Shane Deman, S.T.D.

What does faithful, practical priestly ministry look like every day?

This collection of 365 concise reflections unites Sacred Scripture, pastoral wisdom, and years of priestly experience to offer practical guidance for the daily work of ministry. Written especially for seminarians and priests—but equally valuable for deacons, religious, and lay leaders—these reflections address preaching, leadership, evangelization, administration, prayer, and pastoral care.

Rather than presenting abstract theories, these daily meditations draw on the lived experience of parish ministry, seminary formation, and mentoring future priests. Each reflection begins with a passage from Scripture and offers a practical pastoral insight designed to strengthen ministry, deepen prayer, and foster lifelong growth in holiness.

Whether read one day at a time, consulted for encouragement, or incorporated into ongoing formation, this volume is a trusted companion for all who seek to shepherd God’s people with wisdom, charity, and joyful fidelity.

Paperback: $24.95 | Audible: $14.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Fr. Shane Deman demonstrates that faithful priestly ministry is built through countless small acts of wisdom, charity, and pastoral attentiveness. This daily companion offers practical guidance rooted in Scripture, tradition, and lived experience that will benefit priests, seminarians, and all who serve the Church.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rev. Shane Deman, S.T.D., was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa, in 2008. He has served in parish and Catholic secondary school ministry, as well as Diocesan Director of Vocations and Director of Continuing Education for Clergy. In 2022, he was appointed Vice Rector for Formation at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Fr. Deman earned bachelor’s degrees in Music and Philosophy from the University of St. Thomas and the Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) in Fundamental Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was also the co-host of the Outcast Catholic podcast.

 
 
 
 
 

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Mount Doom: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Prophecy by Paul List and Ali Ghaffari

Mount Doom: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Prophecy by Paul List and Ali Ghaffari

Mount Doom: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Prophecy​

by Paul List and Ali Ghaffari, with a foreword by Joseph Pearce

In Mount Doom: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Prophecy, Paul List and Ali Ghaffari present a bold reinterpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology, uncovering what they argue is a hidden philosophical and spiritual framework beneath The Lord of the Rings. Drawing from Catholic theology, Thomistic philosophy, psychology, and cultural criticism, the authors explore Tolkien’s legendarium as a prophetic warning about technology, artificial intelligence, idolatry, and the crisis of the modern soul. This provocative study challenges readers to see Middle-earth—and themselves—in an entirely new way.

Paperback: $34.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Mount Doom brilliantly explains the relevance of Tolkien’s mythology to our times. The book presents Middle-earth as the human mind and explores the loss of the spiritual dimension symbolized by the fading of the elves. Rich with insight and deeply rooted in Tolkien’s vision, it offers a compelling companion to The Lord of the Rings for readers drawn to the spiritual depth of Tolkien’s work.” – Burned, Amazon Reviewer

“Paul and Ali provide a powerful explanation of the moral and spiritual decline of modern society while offering a roadmap for renewal through faith and personal excellence. Mount Doom reveals what the authors see as Tolkien’s prophetic warning unfolding before our eyes. A compelling and urgent call to action.” – Komron Ghaffari, Amazon Reviewer

“Perfect gift.” – Donald Prindle, Amazon Reviewer

“This work offers many fascinating insights into Tolkien’s mythology, supported by extensive notes and analysis. While some arguments may feel ambitious or provocative, especially regarding the Enlightenment and modernity, the book remains thoughtful, engaging, and ultimately well worth reading—and perhaps rereading.” – elfwine, Amazon Reviewer

“This is not an easy read because it tackles profound ideas. Mount Doom opens Tolkien’s mythology in a completely new way, presenting it as a prophetic warning about humanity’s surrender to the machine. After reading it, Tolkien’s work can never quite be seen the same way again. A deeply inspiring and thought-provoking study.” – KA, Amazon Reviewer

“As someone familiar with Scholastic philosophy and deeply invested in The Lord of the Rings, this book revealed dimensions of Tolkien’s project I had never fully seen before. It uncovers the deeper substance beneath the story in a way that is both surprising and convincing. Highly recommended.” – Brandon, Amazon Reviewer

“The authors present an ambitious and thought-provoking interpretation of Tolkien’s mythology, drawing connections between The Lord of the Rings, Thomistic philosophy, and the Book of Genesis. Even readers who may disagree with some conclusions will appreciate the creativity, scholarship, and artistic depth of the analysis.” – Reader 37, Amazon Reviewer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul List, co-author of Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed. Drawing on years of study in philosophy, theology, mythology, and Tolkien’s legendarium, Paul has developed a bold and deeply original interpretation of Tolkien’s work—one that connects The Lord of the Rings to questions of metaphysics, technology, artificial intelligence, and the spiritual crisis of modern civilization. His work challenges readers to reconsider Tolkien not only as a master storyteller, but also as a prophetic thinker speaking directly to our own age.

Ali Ghaffari is a former Naval Aviator and instructor at the United States Naval Academy, who brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the study of J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology, drawing from philosophy, theology, science, and cultural analysis. His collaboration with Paul List emerged from years of intellectual and spiritual exploration centered on Thomistic philosophy, artificial intelligence, and the spiritual crisis of modern civilization.

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Eyewitnesses: Biblical Foundations in Christian Spirituality

Eyewitnesses: Biblical Foundations in Christian Spirituality

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Fun is Not Enough

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The Tie between Violence and Values by Dcn. Jack Sullivan

The Tie between Violence and Values by Dcn. Jack Sullivan

The Tie between Violence and Values

by Deacon Jack Sullivan

In The Tie Between Violence and Values, Deacon Jack Sullivan examines the growing crisis of violence, moral decline, and spiritual emptiness in modern society. Drawing on decades of experience as a trial lawyer, court magistrate, and Catholic deacon, Sullivan argues that the erosion of faith, family, and virtue has contributed to social fragmentation and unrest. Blending cultural analysis, personal reflection, and spiritual insight, this provocative work calls readers toward moral renewal, evangelization, and a return to enduring Judeo-Christian values.

Paperback: $24.95 | Audible: $14.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Deacon Jack Sullivan’s The Tie Between Violence and Values is a passionate and deeply reflective call to moral and spiritual renewal, challenging readers to confront the cultural consequences of abandoning faith, virtue, and the formative power of enduring values.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in 1938 in Braintree, Massachusetts, John A. “Jack” Sullivan was the son of Dorothy and Arthur Sullivan. He attended public schools, graduating from Braintree High School in 1957, and continued his education at Stonehill College, majoring in government history and philosophy. He pursued graduate studies at Georgetown University in Foreign Service before earning his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1967.

Following law school, Deacon Jack practiced law for 13 years, focusing on criminal and civil trial work. He successfully defended his first murder case five years into his practice and appeared three times before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. In 1980, he was appointed Clerk/Magistrate of the Plymouth District Court, where he served for 30 years, advocating reforms in involuntary commitment laws for mental health and substance abuse cases.

Ordained a permanent deacon on September 14, 2002, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Deacon Jack served at St. Thecla Parish in Pembroke and led prison ministry at Plymouth County Correctional Facility. With his wife Carol, whom he married in 1969, he also ministered to their parish community. They have three children—Brian, Jen, and Jessica—and two grandchildren.

On August 15, 2001, while suffering from a debilitating spinal condition, Deacon Jack was miraculously healed after praying to Cardinal John Henry Newman. The Vatican officially recognized the healing as a miracle in 2009, leading to Cardinal Newman’s beatification by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Deacon Jack served as the deacon at that Mass, proclaiming the Gospel beside the Pope.

He is the sole possessor outside the UK of a first-class relic of Newman, which he uses in his healing ministry. Today, Deacon Jack continues to honor Cardinal Newman through talks, healing services, and personal witness to God’s grace.

 

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read more
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