By Gretchen Crowe
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 2/10/05)

Down Route 7 just past Leesburg, a small white church sits, slightly elevated, at the end of a curvy road leading to St. Francis Court in Purcellville. It’s not the largest parish in the Diocese of Arlington, nor is it the smallest, but the community of St. Francis de Sales is in the midst of a unique journey to rekindle its steady faith and to develop a deeper love for God.

Dr. Scott Hahn, author, lecturer and Catholic convert, was the latest in a long line of noteworthy speakers, including Christendom College president Dr. Timothy O’Donnell and tribunal judge Tara McIntosh, welcomed by the community to share their life lessons of faith. The parish’s year of evangelization was kicked off in September with a tent revival (ACH 9/30/04).

After a delayed early morning flight Saturday, Hahn arrived at St. Francis to filled pews and rows of white folding chairs lining the back of the chapel. Over the course of the morning and early afternoon, he delivered a three-part lecture, with each section based on one of his books: A Father Who Keeps His Promises, Swear to God and The Lamb’s Supper.

"It is really a joy and a privilege to be able to share (today) with you," Hahn said. "Whatever you’re getting, I’m getting more."

Father Patrick Posey, pastor, said he was inspired to invite Hahn because his parishioners were looking for opportunities other than Mass during which to strengthen their relationships with God.

"Everybody kept saying they want a refresher course in the faith," he said. "We need to deepen our understanding and so doing we deepen our relationship."

In his third talk, Hahn, a former Presbyterian minister in Springfield, relayed his quick, painful and joyous conversion story to the assembled crowd.

Feeling God’s call to Catholicism, he said, "I was deeply embedded in a crisis of faith. After two weeks (of attending daily Mass) I fell head over heels in love with our Lord in a way I’d never known."

Using years of personal experience and theology school, Hahn catered each of his talks to help parishioners reach a new level of awareness and love for Christ.

During each intermission, admirers from as far away as Delaware, North Carolina and New York lined up to introduce themselves and have their books signed by Hahn.

Pinka Townsend, a parishioner from St. Louis Parish in Alexandria, attended the talk with her 90-year-old aunt, Juana Harrell.

"We drove early this morning to get here," Townsend said. "She loves him, and I surprised her and brought her here."

Theresa Brown, a parishioner at St. Andrew the Apostle in Clifton, is also an avid fan.

"He takes something that’s so high and brings it down to where anyone can understand it," she said.

Hahn began and ended each of his segments by turning to God.

"We are so proud and grateful for all You have done for us," he prayed. "Illuminate our minds and rekindle our hearts."

Hahn’s talk is not the end of St. Francis’ series of evangelical speakers. On Feb. 12-15 the parish will welcome liturgical composer Grayson Warren Brown, and next month Christopher Stefanick, the director of the office of youth ministry from the Diocese of LaCross, Wis., will speak to the parish’s youth.