About Those AMDG and BVMH Initials
You’ve probably noticed those mysterious letters—+A.M.D.G.+ and +B.V.M.H.+—popping up across our site like some kind of holy graffiti. Secret code? Catholic insider lingo? You’re not far off! They’re like spiritual tags, marking our digital turf with reminders of something bigger. Let’s decode them and explore why they’re here, with a nod to Fr. John Hardon, S.J., who loved using these initials to keep his work grounded in faith.
AMDG: For the Greater Glory of God
A.M.D.G. stands for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, Latin for “For the Greater Glory of God.” It’s the motto of the Jesuits, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, who wanted every action—big or small—to point to God’s glory. Whether it’s writing a forum post or sipping coffee, AMDG is a reminder to offer it all to God. As Fr. Hardon put it when signing his manuscripts,
“We never dare turn in a paper without having A.M.D.G.… on the top of the page. Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, for the greater glory of God.”
Think of AMDG as a spiritual sticky note. In a world full of noise, it’s our way of saying, “This is for something eternal.” When you see it on our site, it’s not just flair—it’s a call to make every click and comment part of God’s greater plan.
BVMH: To the Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary
B.V.M.H. means Ad Honorem Beatae Virginis Mariae, or “To the Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” It’s a tribute to Mary, the Mother of God, whose intercession guides us to her Son. Fr. Hardon would place BVMH alongside AMDG on his notes and letters, explaining,
“BVMH… for the honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It just makes sense.”
It’s a way to keep Mary’s presence close, honoring her role in our salvation.
Picture BVMH as a prayer woven into our site’s fabric. It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs back to hope, reminding us that Mary is always there, pointing us to Jesus. Every time you spot it, it’s an invitation to honor her in your own way.
Why Sprinkle These Around?
Why do we scatter AMDG and BVMH like Catholic street art? It’s more than tradition—it’s a way to stay focused. Online debates can get heated, and the internet can be a circus. These initials are our spiritual guardrails, pulling us back to God’s glory and Mary’s honor. Fr. Hardon made it a habit, noting,
“When I write notes to myself, or when I take spiritual notes… I regularly put on top of the page on the left side, AMDG, on the right side, BVMH.”
They’re also a wink to those in the know, like a secret handshake for the faithful. But it’s an open club—everyone’s welcome, and that’s why this page is here, to let you in on the “Secret”! These letters invite you to dig into what it means to live for God and honor Mary, whether you’re a lifelong Catholic or just curious.
A Playful Tradition with Deep Roots
We could’ve hidden these initials in a footer, but we’re leaning into the quirkiness of our faith – but at the same time, it’s deep understanding of human nature — we need these constant little reminders! Sprinkling AMDG and BVMH around is our way of blending reverence with a bit of irony—serious about the mission but not too full of ourselves that we don’t recognize our own need of this constant reminder of purpose. It’s like Fr. Hardon’s habit of adding them to everything from manuscripts to phone call notes. They’re a reminder that every moment, even the mundane, can be sacred.
So, next time you see AMDG or BVMH, give them a nod. They’re here to nudge us toward God’s glory and Mary’s honor, one click at a time. Feel like joining the graffiti crew? Try adding these initials to your own notes or prayers. As Fr. Hardon might say, “It just makes sense.”
