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BOOK-SIGNING BREAK – Robert Trexler, a member of St. Mary Parish in New Haven, talks with theologian Scott Hahn during a break and book signing that was part of a day-long conference on Oct. 31 at St. Mary. Sponsored by the lay Dominicans, the conference included three talks by Dr. Hahn. (Photo by Mary Chalupsky)

NEW HAVEN – It’s not his tremendous base of knowledge, or his academic degrees, or even the dramatic story of his conversion to the Catholic Church in 1986 that makes Scott Hahn such a popular speaker, teacher and author.

For most people, it’s the way the professor of biblical studies at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, injects a blend of excitement and clarity into his talks on Scripture and the Catholic faith that captivates audiences.

Such was the case during the event titled “Veritas, Truths of the Faith” Oct. 31 at St. Mary Parish. It was hosted by the fraternity of lay Dominicans.

“I like his enthusiasm,” said Barbara Yankowski, a parishioner at Our Lady of Pompeii in East Haven, who has read most of his books.

“He’s so full of zeal, he uses humor and he knows his Bible inside and out,” she continued. “And he brings that knowledge in a way that helps you understand and appreciate the Mass and the Eucharist more. He gets to the heart of our faith.”

Dr. Hahn provided three talks: one about unraveling mysteries of Catholicism and common objections to the Catholic faith, one exploring the complex relationship between the Bible and Catholic liturgy, and one about entering into the heavenly liturgy described in the Book of Revelation.

“I think he’s the greatest theologian next to Ray Brown,” said Deacon Robert Berube of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Plainville, comparing Dr. Hahn to the internationally influential Roman Catholic biblical scholar who died in 1998. “I’ve used a lot of excerpts from his books in my homilies.”

Tim Hickey, a seminarian at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell and a former Baptist minister, also had high praise for the theologian.

“He was instrumental in my conversion,” he said. “I’ve listened to his tapes and read his books; and he personally called me after I came into the Church as a result of the Coming Home Network,” a support network for non-Catholic ministers who are interested in Catholicism.

“I think what he gives us is a fresh look at what has become so common to us,” he observed. “He’s helping us discover the wonder of our faith again.”

Dr. Hahn told his audience that his work is about reading the Bible, “reading it with you, and reading it ‘from the heart of the Church.’”

The prolific writer, grandfather and father, he recently published his 25th book, Signs of Life.

“He’s so brilliant,” said Eileen Ward of East Longmeadow, Mass. “Just the way he talks … it’s from the heart. Everything comes alive through him.”

Carol Marra of St. George Parish in Guilford echoed those thoughts. “He was exceptional,” she said. “He really is inspiring, espectially about confession.”