Our Mission and Legacy

Our Mission

The Bellarmine Forum, established in 1965 as the Wanderer Forum Foundation, was begun with the sign of the cross by Mr. Matt, invoking the Holy Trinity, and placed under the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through Providence and Grace, we continue, endure, and thrive in our dedication to advancing the timeless teachings of the Catholic Church, fostering a vibrant faith among the faithful, and promoting truth, reason, and the Church’s social teachings on marriage, family, and society, under the patronage of St. Robert Bellarmine.

Our Enduring Commitment to a Divine Calling

The Bellarmine Forum, founded in 1965 as the Wanderer Forum Foundation, came into being with a sacred act: Mr. Matt opened the first Forum with the sign of the cross, invoking the Holy Trinity, and entrusted its mission to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through Providence and Grace, we have continued, endured, and thrived across nearly six decades, steadfastly upholding the eternal truths of the Catholic Faith amid a world of constant change. Under the patronage of St. Robert Bellarmine—a beacon of faith, reason, and loyalty to the Church—we are called to foster a deep and living faith among Catholics, equipping them with the clarity and courage to meet the challenges of every age.

Rooted in this divine invocation and sustained by heavenly intercession, our mission is to illuminate the path forward for the faithful, ensuring that the Church’s teachings remain a source of hope and truth for all generations. Through education, dialogue, and resolute advocacy, we champion the Church’s vision for society—defending the sanctity of marriage, the dignity of the family, and the moral foundations of a just civilization. By sustaining voices of Catholic Truth, such as The Wanderer newspaper, and convening national conferences that address the defining issues of each era, we inspire and unite the faithful to live out the Gospel with boldness and joy, in communion with God, His angels, and His saints.

For nearly six decades, the Bellarmine Forum has been a prophetic force, anticipating the needs of the Church and society while remaining anchored in the immutable principles of the Faith. This divine foundation—inaugurated by the sign of the cross and renewed through every trial—has enabled us to shape generations of Catholics, influence public discourse, and fortify the Church’s witness across decades of cultural upheaval. As we stand at the threshold of the future, we reaffirm our founding mission: to ensure that the light of Catholic Truth endures, undimmed, for generations yet unborn, trusting always in the guidance of the Holy Trinity, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Providence and Grace through which we continue, endure, and thrive.

A Legacy of Faith, Guided by Heaven

On that day in 1965 when Mr. Matt made the sign of the cross to open the first Forum, invoking the Holy Trinity and entrusting it to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Bellarmine Forum was set on a path of divine guidance. Through Providence and Grace, we have continued, endured, and thrived, advancing the Catholic Faith through decades of change. Our national conferences, publications like The Forum Focus, Forum Quarterly, books, and advocacy have been instruments of God’s will, shaping the Church and society in ways both seen and unseen. Below, explore a timeline of key moments that reflect our mission in action—each a testament to the divine sustenance that carries us forward.

Join Us in This Sacred Work

From the sign of the cross in 1965 to today, the Bellarmine Forum continues, endures, and thrives under the Holy Trinity and the Blessed Virgin Mary’s care. Pray for the Forum, get involved and pray. You can also donate to help us carry the light of Catholic Truth into the future, trusting in the Providence and Grace that sustain us.