Ardens Virtus: Men Ablaze with Authentic Faith
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” These ancient words from the Book of Proverbs fittingly describe the transformative brotherhood of Ardens Virtus, where young men are forged in the fires of authentic faith. As one of Ave Maria University’s seven men’s households, Ardens Virtus—Latin for “burning virtue”—doesn’t settle for lukewarmness, but for a faith that blazes with purpose and conviction.
Guided by St. Philip Neri and St. Blaise, the men of Ardens Virtus seek to grow through relational ministry and to keep close to our Lord through spiritual warfare. Their mission statement beautifully expresses their charism: “At the moment of baptism, we are filled with the Spirit and equipped for battle ... Instead of living the life of a coward, we cling to a life built on prayer, sacrifice, and brotherly love.”
Gabe Mellino, one of the four household leaders, shared, “The charisms of Ardens Virtus are built upon a way of life. We strive not to be lukewarm but to be men who are authentic in their faith, relationships, and virtue. That way of living starts amongst the brothers in the household.”
When asked what motivated him to join the household, Gabe explained, “I was motivated by taking on true humility and being a part of something that was pointing me higher to Christ. Doing that with brothers.”
For Joaquin Martinez, even though “relational ministry and spiritual warfare are the household’s official charisms,” he emphasized that “authenticity and brotherhood are the two strongest characteristics. Every member is authentically himself, surrounded by brothers who are authentically themselves.”
Joaquin was drawn to the household because of the authenticity of the men he encountered. “I didn’t feel like any of them put up a front or pretended to be someone they weren’t. In a world where appearance is everything, a group of men who appear as they are is a rare privilege.”
He also reflected on his personal growth: “I spent a lot of high school wishing I was someone besides myself, but when I came to Ave Maria ,and especially after I joined Ardens Virtus, I came into my own as a person, not changing, but developing and growing as a man. Through this household I am both myself and someone I want to be.”
In a world desperately searching for meaning, these young men demonstrate the power of authentic community rooted in faith. They remind us that true transformation doesn’t happen in isolation, but through relationships that challenge us to something greater. As they continue to fan the flames of virtue in each other’s lives, these men aren’t just building a household—they’re forging the faithful Catholic leaders of tomorrow.
