Servant of God Isaac Hecker

Servant of God Isaac Thomas Hecker (Dec. 18, 1819 – Dec. 22, 1888) was the New York City-born son of German immigrants who spent his early life working in his family’s bakery and flour business.

As a young man, he began a spiritual journey that eventually led to him to the Catholic Church.  He became a priest and a faithful son of the Church who was not afraid of questioning, challenging and experimenting.

In 1858, together with his associates, Fr. Hecker founded the Paulist Fathers with the mission of helping the American people understand the Catholic Church and helping the Church understand the democratic spirit of America.

Fr. Hecker was a brilliant missionary preacher, author, publisher and pastor.  It is our prayer that, one day, he also will be known as a saint.  The cause for Fr. Hecker’s beatification and canonization was formally opened in 2008 at which time he received the title “Servant of God.”

Discover how Fr. Hecker's life and ministry were intertwined with American history

The life of Fr. Isaac Hecker, a missionary to North America

Quotes from Fr. Isaac Hecker's sermons and books

To mark the 175th anniversary of Hecker's baptism, read and download “The Paulist Vocation,” a book with many of Fr. Hecker’s writings

Our second novena looks to heal wounds caused by polarization in society and work toward a “more perfect union”

A prayer for Fr. Hecker's intercession for those seeking a miracle

In May 2023, we hosted a Hecker Symposium in New York City. Watch the recording and pray the Novena.