History of the Foundation

For over 60 years, the Wanderer Forum Foundation / Bellarmine Forum has been a fearless defender of Catholic orthodoxy, battling dissent and Modernism since its founding in 1965. Dive into our vibrant history of National Forums, regional affiliates, and unwavering commitment to the Faith!

Our Legacy: Championing Catholic Truth Since 1965

In the wake of Vatican II, as dissent swept through the Catholic Church, the Bellarmine Forum—originally the Wanderer Forum Foundation—rose to defend the Magisterium. Founded in 1965 by Laurene and Stillwell Conner and Alphonse J. Matt Sr., editor of The Wanderer, the Foundation has spent over five decades educating the laity, fostering orthodoxy, and equipping Catholics to face cultural and ideological challenges.

A black-and-white newspaper front page from "The Forum," dated August 1948, published in St. Paul, Minnesota. The headline reads, "30 States Represented at First Wanderer Forum," with a subheading, "First Wanderer Forum June 11-12, 1948, St. Paul, Minn. The Issue Is Atheism." The article discusses a forum attended by representatives from 30 states, focusing on atheism and religious themes. A smaller headline on the right reads, "God, Society and the Person," authored by Rev. Very. Ferdinand Faucour. Another section is titled "Commissioner Milton Rosen On Atheism and Pornography." The page includes a small illustration of a domed building at the top right and a photograph of people seated at a conference table in the center. The layout features multiple columns of text and a sidebar listing related articles for the issue.

Founding a Movement: The Call to Action

In 1965, the “do-your-own-thing” ethos infiltrated even the Church, with dissenters teaching in Catholic schools and preaching from pulpits. The founders responded by creating a foundation to uphold true Catholic teaching, aligned with Vatican II’s authentic vision. Their mission: to provide moral and religious education for the laity and support orthodox Catholics marginalized in a shifting Church.

Vision: To rally faithful Catholics around the Church’s timeless teachings, fostering a network of truth-seekers.

The National Forums: A Beacon of Orthodoxy

From 1965 to the early 2000s, the National Wanderer Forums, primarily held in St. Paul, Minnesota, were a cornerstone of the Foundation’s work. These three-day gatherings drew hundreds, including cardinals, bishops, and lay leaders, to discuss pressing issues facing the Church. The forums offered a platform for networking, spiritual renewal, and education, with recordings and booklets preserving their insights.

1965: The First Forum – “Combating Atheism”

A vintage poster for the First Wanderer Forum in St. Paul, Minn., June 11-12, 1965, themed "The Issue is Atheism." It features a panel with a banner reading "One Nation Under God" and lists speakers: Al Matt (invocation), Msgr. Durand (greetings), Commissioner Milt Rosen (panel on God, Society, and the Person), and Fr. F. Falque (panel). A second panel includes Walter Matt and Fr. Walter Peters.

The inaugural Forum in St. Paul united 500 attendees from 30 states to confront the rise of secularism. Speakers like Dr. Clarence A. Manion and Fr. Louis Falque warned of atheism’s threat to Christian values. Manion’s quip, “Atheism isn’t just a belief—it’s a blueprint for dismantling society,” proved prescient, foreshadowing today’s secular dominance.

“In 1965, we said liberalism would erode the Church’s moral foundations. How’s that going today?” – Inspired by Fr. Falque’s critique of unchecked liberalism.

1966: “The Christian Challenge to Atheism”

The Second Forum featured heavyweights like Phyllis Schlafly and Lorraine Conner, who addressed communism and moral decline. Schlafly’s call to “defend tradition against the tide of relativism” resonates in today’s debates on family and education. The Forum’s resolutions urged Catholics to act as leaven in society, a call still urgent amid modern secularism.

“We warned in ’66 that relativism would unravel the family. Look at the stats on marriage today—were we wrong?” – Echoing Schlafly’s insights.

1968: “Crisis of Belief”

With Modernism infiltrating the Church, the 1968 Forum tackled the crisis of faith. Speakers like Bishop Austin Vaughan emphasized lay responsibility in preserving orthodoxy. His warning, “Lose belief in the Real Presence, and the Church crumbles,” anticipated today’s Eucharistic crisis, where polls show widespread disbelief among Catholics.

“In ’68, we saw the Eucharistic crisis coming. Today, only 30% of Catholics believe in the Real Presence—time to act!” – Reflecting Vaughan’s foresight.

A black-and-white photograph shows a large group of people seated closely together in pews, listening attentively. Many women are wearing headscarves, and the setting appears to be a church or chapel with a high ceiling and small windows in the background. The caption below the image reads, "Forum delegates listen attentively to Msgr. Lloyd Russell's sermon."

1969: “Traditional Values in a Secular Age”

The 1969 Forum focused on defending Catholic education and life issues against secularization. Speakers like Fr. Cletus Healy called for re-Christianizing society, a vision echoed in modern catechetical renewal efforts. Their resolution against abortion foresaw the Roe v. Wade battle, proving their prescience.

“We said in ’69 that secular schools would erode faith. Now, Catholic education is a battleground—join the fight!” – Inspired by Healy’s call.

1970: “Family and Fortitude”

William A. Marra and Bishop Albert L. Fletcher headlined the 1970 Forum, emphasizing family as the bedrock of faith. Marra’s warning against contraception, “It’s not just birth control—it’s culture control,” predicted today’s family structure debates. Fletcher’s sermon on fortitude urged Catholics to resist cultural pressures, a rallying cry for 2025’s challenges.

“In 1970, we called contraception a cultural wrecking ball. With declining birth rates, who’s laughing now?” – Marra’s enduring warning.

A black-and-white photograph shows a large group of people seated in pews inside a grand church with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and tall columns. The event is the "Sixth Annual National Wanderer Forum," held in June 1970 in St. Paul, Minnesota, as indicated by text at the bottom of the image, which also mentions "Addresses and Sermons" and a price of $1.50. The altar is visible in the background, adorned with religious statues and decorations.

1974: “The Obedience of Faith”

The 1974 Forum addressed abortion, liberal biblical scholarship, and the Equal Rights Amendment. Speakers like Fr. Paul Marx, a pro-life pioneer, declared, “Abortion isn’t a choice—it’s a civilizational collapse.” This foresight fuels today’s pro-life movement, as debates on life and gender ideology intensify.

“In ’74, we said abortion would reshape society. Post-Roe, the fight’s bigger than ever—stand with us!” – Marx’s prophetic stand.

1977: “Confronting Modernism”

The 1977 Forum tackled Modernism, a persistent heresy undermining Church doctrine through relativism and theological innovation. Speakers, including Fr. Vincent Miceli and Fr. John A. Hardon, dissected Modernism’s impact on catechesis, liturgy, and Catholic identity. Miceli’s warning, “Modernism doesn’t just question truth—it redefines it to fit the age,” foresaw today’s debates over synodality and moral relativism. Marra urged Catholics to “guard the deposit of faith” against modernist distortions, a call echoed in 2025’s discussions on doctrinal clarity. The Forum’s resolutions emphasized rigorous catechesis and fidelity to Tradition, prescient guidance as Modernism continues to challenge the Church.

“In ’77, we called Modernism a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Its shadow looms in 2025—time to stand firm!” – Inspired by Miceli’s critique.

Key Contributors: Voices of Truth

  • Cardinal Patrick O’Boyle: Early Forum speaker who defended liturgical integrity against post-Vatican II distortions.
  • Cardinal John Carberry: Championed catechetical renewal, urging fidelity to the Magisterium.
  • Phyllis Schlafly: Lay leader whose anti-communist and pro-family advocacy shaped Forum resolutions.
  • Fr. Paul Marx: Pro-life titan whose talks galvanized the movement against abortion and euthanasia.
  • Stephanie Block: Her 1990s research exposed leftist funding in the Campaign for Human Development, sent to every U.S. bishop.
  • William A. Marra: Educator whose talks on family and contraception warned of cultural decay, shaping the 1970 Forum’s legacy.
  • Bill Marshner: Theologian who critiqued modernist trends, offering intellectual clarity on faith and morals.
  • Fr. Vincent Miceli: Jesuit scholar whose 1977 talks on Modernism exposed its threats to Catholic doctrine.
  • Fr. John A. Hardon: Renowned catechist whose 1997 calls to defend the deposit of faith remain a rallying cry.

The Backbone: Pillars of the Forum’s Mission

Behind the National Forums’ success stood four steadfast figures—Laurene Conner, Frank Morriss, Charles E. Rice, and Cindy Paslawski—who formed the operational and intellectual core of the Wanderer Forum Foundation. Their tireless efforts ensured the Forums remained timely, relevant, and a powerful exposition of Catholic truth.

Laurene Conner: The Visionary Organizer

As the Foundation’s secretary, Laurene Conner was the heartbeat of the Forums. She meticulously selected themes—marriage, priesthood, respect for life—that addressed the Church’s most pressing challenges. Managing correspondence, she responded to Catholics seeking clarity on subversive trends, which inspired the creation of Forum Focus. Her ability to anticipate cultural shifts kept the Forums ahead of the curve, making them a lifeline for orthodox Catholics.

“Laurene saw the storm coming and built a shelter for the faithful.” – Reflecting her foresight in organizing the Forums.

Frank Morriss: The Veteran Journalist

Frank Morriss, a seasoned Catholic journalist, brought intellectual rigor to the Foundation’s publications. As a key contributor to Forum Focus, he exposed errors like liberation theology and the U.S. Catholic Conference’s bureaucratic drift. His incisive writing, especially in the landmark Unholy Alliance issue, revealed communist influences in Latin America, earning praise from clergy decades later. Morriss ensured the Forums’ message cut through cultural noise with clarity and courage.

“Frank’s pen was a sword, slicing through the fog of dissent.”

Charles E. Rice: The Legal Luminary

Charles E. Rice, a renowned Notre Dame law professor, was the Forums’ intellectual anchor. His talks on natural law, religious liberty, and the sanctity of life provided a legal and moral framework for resisting secularism. Rice’s ability to connect Church teaching to contemporary issues—like abortion and family law—made the Forums a beacon for Catholic professionals. His wit and wisdom, often delivered with a nod to St. Thomas Aquinas, kept audiences engaged and inspired.

“Charlie Rice turned legal reason into a battle cry for truth.”

Cindy Paslawski: The Unsung Hero

Cindy Paslawski was the operational glue, handling logistics, speaker coordination, and attendee support with quiet efficiency. Her attention to detail ensured the Forums ran smoothly, from booking venues to distributing materials. Paslawski’s knack for anticipating needs—like providing timely resources on emerging issues—kept the Foundation responsive to the laity’s concerns. Her behind-the-scenes work made the Forums a welcoming haven for truth-seekers.

“Cindy’s hands held the Forum together, so hearts could meet in truth.”

Together, Conner, Morriss, Rice, and Paslawski formed a dynamic team, blending vision, intellect, and practicality. Their collaboration ensured the Forums not only addressed the crises of their day but also offered timeless principles for navigating today’s challenges, from gender ideology to religious persecution.

Publications and Impact

The Foundation published Forum talks as booklets and recordings, making orthodox resources accessible when Catholic bookstores lacked them. Laurene Conner’s Forum Focus (1980s) tackled liberation theology, feminism, and the U.S. Catholic Conference’s left-leaning bureaucracy. Her issue Unholy Alliance exposed communist ties in Latin America, influencing young Jesuits in El Salvador even today. Stephanie Block’s work on leftist organizations reshaped discussions on Catholic funding.

A black-and-white flyer with the bold headline "What Population Control Means To You" in large, stylized font. Below, it reads: "Address by MRS. RAY KUFFEL, Brookfield, Wis., to the Sectional Workshop on 'The Sexual Revolution,' Friday, June 26th." The body text begins, "It is indeed a privilege to be here at the Wanderer Forum and speak to you today on a subject that is of vital importance to each and every one of us. The subject of what population control means to you and to me can perhaps be best summed up by saying that it is, in my view, nothing short of genocide." The text continues, mentioning "Ford Foundations, the Hugh Moore Fund, and various other tax-exempt organizations which spend millions of dollars so that they might fulfill their boast—their goal—that they will get the U.S. Government into the business of controlling population. That goal is clearly stated in their literature and..." The flyer appears to be a historical document addressing concerns about population control policies.

Evolution and Outreach

The National Forums’ success inspired a vast network of regional affiliates, which grew to over 500 groups across the United States by the 1990s. These affiliates brought the Foundation’s mission to local communities, hosting mini-forums in cities like Seattle, Milwaukee, Carmel, California, Providence, and upstate New York. As travel costs limited attendance at national events, these regional gatherings ensured orthodox Catholics could connect, learn, and resist cultural challenges closer to home. In 2003, bellarmineforum.org archived Forum Focus articles, expanding access. The 2007 book Saving Christian Marriage, based on a 1973 Forum, predicted priest shortages and divorce spikes—remedies still relevant. In 2012, the Foundation became the Bellarmine Forum, honoring St. Robert Bellarmine, and launched a quarterly magazine to combat modern errors.

Our Mission Today

For over 60 years, the Bellarmine Forum has educated Catholics, fostering fidelity amid secular challenges. Join us in defending the Faith!