The Family Room (The Quest)
Join co-hosts Mari Cleveland from St. Jude the Apostle and John Gordon and Craig Wesemeyer from St. Peter Chanel as they speak with authors, theologians, and local priests and lay leaders to provide your family encouragement, resources, and hope. Enjoy heartfelt stories and engaging conversations with Catholics who are excited to share their life experiences and acquired wisdom to help your family continue to live out your faith with joy.
Jun 4, 2025
The Truth About Hell
Patrick O’Hearn, author, literary consultant, speaker, freelance editor
The past few years have caused many people to question the meaning of life, seriously taking stock of their past and questioning their legacy. Decades of poor catechesis gave the impression Hell was a crutch for the weak. Without a belief in Hell, we can focus on pleasing ourselves. Yet, death brings about a sobering gut check of reality. Is it real? Is it empty? What’s the truth about Hell?
Dan Burke and Patrick O’Hearn have done the heavy lifting necessary in their book, The Truth About Hell: Through the Wisdom of Jesus, Mary, and the Magisterium, giving their readers practical insights on how to understand and avoid Hell. Using Jesus’ own words in Scripture as well as Mary’s teachings given at Marian apparitions, you begin to comprehend God’s unfathomable love and His desire to share eternity with us.
Dan and Patrick tackle the hard questions with candor, outlining the Church’s teachings on Hell through the understanding of several Doctors of the Church. They give practical guidance on how to avoid Satan’s snares, sharing resources at the back of the book to help you focus on building your treasures in heaven. Come, hear the real truth about Hell.
Biography: Patrick O'Hearn is an author, content writer, speaker, and literary consultant who served as TAN Books' acquisitions editor for two years. He graduated with a master's in education from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a bachelor's in marketing from St. Ambrose University. Patrick is a cradle Catholic who didn’t pay much attention to God until his college roommate sparked his interest. That journey caused him to spend close to three years in a Benedictine Monastery before discerning the call to marriage. A devout Catholic and husband, Patrick and his wife, Amanda, have four children, two of whom are in heaven.
Resources:
The past few years have caused many people to question the meaning of life, seriously taking stock of their past and questioning their legacy. Decades of poor catechesis gave the impression Hell was a crutch for the weak. Without a belief in Hell, we can focus on pleasing ourselves. Yet, death brings about a sobering gut check of reality. Is it real? Is it empty? What’s the truth about Hell?
Dan Burke and Patrick O’Hearn have done the heavy lifting necessary in their book, The Truth About Hell: Through the Wisdom of Jesus, Mary, and the Magisterium, giving their readers practical insights on how to understand and avoid Hell. Using Jesus’ own words in Scripture as well as Mary’s teachings given at Marian apparitions, you begin to comprehend God’s unfathomable love and His desire to share eternity with us.
Dan and Patrick tackle the hard questions with candor, outlining the Church’s teachings on Hell through the understanding of several Doctors of the Church. They give practical guidance on how to avoid Satan’s snares, sharing resources at the back of the book to help you focus on building your treasures in heaven. Come, hear the real truth about Hell.
Biography: Patrick O'Hearn is an author, content writer, speaker, and literary consultant who served as TAN Books' acquisitions editor for two years. He graduated with a master's in education from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a bachelor's in marketing from St. Ambrose University. Patrick is a cradle Catholic who didn’t pay much attention to God until his college roommate sparked his interest. That journey caused him to spend close to three years in a Benedictine Monastery before discerning the call to marriage. A devout Catholic and husband, Patrick and his wife, Amanda, have four children, two of whom are in heaven.
Resources:
- Patrick O'Hearn’s website
- The Truth About Hell: Through the Wisdom of Jesus, Mary, and the Magisterium by Dan Burke and Patrick O’Hearn
- Nursery of Heaven: Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss in the Lives of the Saints and Today's Parents by Cassie Everts and Patrick O'Hearn
- Pilgrimage to Italy, Slovenia, and Austria with Fr. John Retar
