Logo Description

The crest of WPI contains several elements that are of significance to the mission of our Institute. They are tied together by the experience of the Word of God entwined with fire, a fire that does not consume but enlightens, purifies, and delights.

  • WPILogoOur Lady of the Burning Bush is the patroness of The Word Proclaimed Institute. The burning bush is the place of God’s revelation to Moses calling him to lead his people to freedom (Exodus 3-4.) The fiery place of revelation that gave light but was not itself consumed became for the Fathers of the Church an image of Mary who welcomed the seed of the Word in her heart and body and gave birth to the Word while remaining a virgin. She most perfectly exemplifies God’s call to His people to accept willingly the seed of the Word so that it may bear much fruit within us and through us as well.
  • Mount Sinai, the Source of Revelation, is in the background. A Rabbinic tradition speaks of the fire from Sinai coming to those who earnestly pondered the Scriptures in a practice known “as stringing Pearls.” Stories tell us about the fire coming from Sinai and enveloping the Rabbis as they were stringing together the words of the Torah, the Prophets and the Writings:
“'…And a fire came down and enveloped them…' We were sitting and stringing together the words of the Torah, from the Torah to the Prophets and from the Prophets to the Writings. And the words were full of joy as when they were delivered from Sinai. The fire was lapping at them as it lapped at them [coming] from Sinai. Originally, when they were given from Sinai, they were only given in fire: 'And the mountain was burning with fire right up to the heart of heaven.' As we read - 'And you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, while the mountain burned with fire to the heart of heaven, wrapped in darkness, cloud, and gloom.'” (Deut. 4:11). - From the Jerusalem Talmud
  • Emmaus, meaning “warm spring”, recounts how Jesus brought the disciples back to Mt. Sinai and the stringing of pearls, when he walked with his disciples to Emmaus. “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself… They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:27,32).

In the crest of WPI, the two disciples from Emmaus are walking down the path through Scripture led by Jesus and Our Lady of the Burning Bush, a journey that takes them back to Mt. Sinai. The Word took life in her heart and body. The Word Proclaimed Institute aims to bring the Word to life in the preaching of the disciples of Jesus in our age.

Testimonials

"I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Fr. Francis Martin for many years. His profound knowledge of and love for the living Word of God continues to inspire me. He continues to help people in all walks of life to open their hearts to Christ, the living Word Incarnate. I warmly recommend Fr. Francis Martin Ministries to one and all."

Most Rev. William E. Lori
Archbishop of Baltimore

"What a blessing to be a priest in a time such as this! Our world is in such desperate need of the love and truth you can offer. Please know that I pray for you and your priesthood. I am joined in this prayer by my long-time friend Fr. Francis Martin. He has been the main teacher at our priest conferences over the years since their beginning in 1975. I encourage you to... take advantage of his offering. I know you will be blessed by this spiritual resource."

Fr. Mike Scanlan, CFR

"What good news to hear that Fr. Francis Martin's daily preaching on the lectionary as well as his longer talks on biblical themes are now readily available through his website. Fr. Francis' teaching on the scripture is academically sound, spiritually enlightened and pastorally applicable. It would be hard to overestimate the importance of Fr. Francis' teaching to the life of individual Christians as well as the life of the Church today. Highly recommended."

Ralph Martin
President of Renewal Ministries and Director of the Graduate Theology Program in the New Evangelization, Sacred Heart Major Seminary

"I have known and worked with Father Francis Martin for 15 years. He has been a close colleague in our work in Evangelicals and Catholics Together. While he is a great scholar and thinker, he is one of the most gentle, loving people I have met anywhere. No matter how accomplished he has become in his intellectual and theological pursuits, he has never lost the pastor’s heart.I have learned much from him, and I can encourage you to draw on the rich resources Father Martin offers. I can think of no one better to teach Catholics seeking a closer relationship with Christ than a man who has devoted his life to it so ably."

Chuck Colson
Founder, Prison Fellowship

“I have known Fr. Francis Martin for many years as a lecturer and a good friend. His knowledge of the Scripture is like the spring of living water that Jesus refers to in John Chapter 7. I whole-heartedly recommend these talks. They will enrich your mind and draw you closer to the Father through Jesus, His Beloved."

Sister Briege McKenna, OSC

"Whenever I have a question about Sacred Scripture, the person I turn to without fail is Father Francis Martin. He is an unparalleled scholar, a consummate teacher and preacher, and a man of deep prayer. His profound understanding and presentation of Scripture makes it plain how "God the Father wills to give us birth by the Word of truth" (James 1:18)."

Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P.
Editor-in-Chief, Magnificat