Where St. Michael Appeared

“And there was a great battle in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought, and his angels. And they prevailed not…” (Apocalypse 12:7)

Watch this marvelous video of Mont Saint Michel



Off the coast of Normandy, France, there is a marvelous rocky island where Saint Michael appeared to Saint Aubert, Bishop of Avranches in 708. Nowhere is Saint Michael’s presence more keenly felt than at Mont Saint Michel.

Treasure of Christendom

Once known as the Tomb on the Hill, this medieval abbey-fortress was built in honor of Saint Michael. Today, pilgrims can still admire the marvels of this dazzling monument which typifies the sublime virtues of the warrior-monk, of bravery and fortitude.

Its lofty steeple speaks of the monastic life and sacrality; of something higher, something heavenly, something more than mere stone. Its beauty transcends stone and mortar and lifts the soul to a higher plain. What is this spirit? Did the Archangel bestow some of his spiritual beauty upon this mount?

Normandy, France: this medieval abbey-fortress was built in honor of Saint Michael.

Something Spiritual

Somehow, the monument allows us to form a supernatural glimpse of Saint Michael. There is something spiritual about it; something sublime that transcends art, and is apparent to those with refined spiritual perception.

If this monument reveals the soul of the warrior-monk, who prays and fights, we can understand how much more beautiful is the spirit of an Angel. The spirit of Saint Michael is more beautiful than the soul of a monk, because he is a “monk” in the immense monastery of Heaven, where there is a perfect Abbess, Our Lady, and above the Abbess, an infinitely perfect Abbot, God Our Lord.

Devotion to Warrior Angels

Saint Michael the Archangel.

In the Middle Ages, men had a great devotion to Angels, especially the warrior Angels. They understood how the Angels waged the first battle against evil in history. The chief knight was Saint Michael. Therefore, the spirit of the Crusades, the spirit of Chivalry, and the spirit of this mount reflect Saint Michael.

Now, let’s visit the abbey, a fortress-Church. One can imagine monks chanting the office and one can also imagine knights in full armor, resisting the enemy on the walls.

Picture, if you can, magnificent libraries… monks studying; in another hall, artisans writing gold-leafed gothic letters on parchment, or cutting stones to decorate an unfinished pillar. Suddenly, a trumpet blast cuts the silent air. At once, the order of Chivalry that resides here responds. Knights rush to the gates, repel the enemy and defend the monks.

The island is a synthesis of prayer, study, recollection, art and combat. All of these qualities stem from a rich spiritual life.

FARC Military Leader Died With His Boots On

This is a terrorist who invented the bicycle bomb. He would have bicycle frames stuffed with explosives and asked poor children if they would like to take a ride around town. When the poor child reached city hall or a police station, the bomb would detonate. He also invented the donkey bomb. He would have a donkey loaded with explosives and spook the poor animal in the direction he wanted it to go and then detonate it.

The man was Colombian terrorist Mono Jojoy, key military commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). He was also believed to have been in charge of their cocaine-trafficking operations. He was killed by the Colombian military on Sept. 21. He died with his boots on -- and that proved his undoing.

After evading justice for over a decade, the Colombian armed forces, with the help of American military training and technology, were able to locate Mono Jojoy through his boots. Jojoy, whose real name was Víctor Julio Suárez Rojas, was diabetic and needed special shoes since the diabetes affected the circulation on his feet.

According the Colombian newspaper reports, Colombian intelligence intercepted an order for Mono Jojoy’s boots and placed a GPS chip, which started transmitting his precise location on Monday.

The ensuing raid on his camp was an all-out military operation involving dozens of aircraft and three tons of explosives. Following the raid, the Colombian military recovered 15 laptops, 94 USB devices and 14 hard disks, which will yield vital intelligence on the FARC’s operations.

This is a huge coup for the Colombian government and a most crippling blow against the FARC. Mono Jojoy was not only a symbol of the FARC, but also directly involved in its kidnapping and cocaine-trafficking operations, and left no clear successor.

Bishop Vasa: Bishops Trump Conference Every Time

By Patrick B. Craine

September 22, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The authority of the Catholic bishop within his own diocese trumps the national bishops’ conference and "no bishop has an obligation" to adopt the conference’s documents, asserted Bishop Robert Vasa of Baker, Oregon in a landmark talk last week.

"Such documents do not become normative for a particular diocese unless the bishop, either explicitly or implicitly, recommends them,” he told the 2010 InsideCatholic Partnership Award Dinner last Thursday.

Catholic bishops who boldly promote life and family in their diocese have often been condemned for acting more strongly than the national conference of bishops (USCCB), for example by refusing Communion to pro-abortion politicians. Similarly, pro-life and pro-family advocates have long complained that conference statements are vague and confusing, even misleading.

For the full story, click here

For the full address, click here.

5,000 Rosary Rally Goal Surpassed – 5,301 Captains Prepare for October 16th

Thanks to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our efforts to sign up captains in the 2010 Public Square Rosary Crusade have been blessed with success beyond our expectations.

As you know, our goal was to sign up 5,000 rosary rally captains in time for the Rosary Crusade that is scheduled for Saturday, October 16th.

That goal was crossed this week, and we are currently at 5,301 captains who are committed to leading a public rosary.

Our first and best thanks go to Our Lady, the Blessed Mother of God for this good news.

Secondly, our thanks go to all those who, to a greater or lesser degree, contributed to this successful outcome.

Finally, it is our most ardent hope and prayer that these rosary rallies in the public square will bring countless souls to see that human solutions have failed and that we need true supernatural solutions – amendment of life, prayer, penance and the Rosary.

May Our Lady of Fatima awaken in our nation the realization that it is only by practicing the message that She brought the world in 1917 that we can turn around a very bad situation that is getting worse by the day.

There’s still a few days left to become a rally captain, so please do so now if you haven’t yet had a chance to:

http://www.americaneedsfatima.org/PSRR-Articles/2010rrc-signup.html

Protest Satanic Ceremony at Civic Center

Protest this public Satanic ceremony at the Civic Center in Oklahoma City

Send your instant e-message to Mayor Cornett

According to press reports, a Satanic group called the Church of the IV Majesties has rented the Civic Center of Oklahoma City to perform a mock exorcism on October 21st.

The Satanists say this will be the first ever public Satanic exorcism ever. And, of course, as always, the target is the Catholic Church.

The leader of the Satanic group said the event planned for October 21st will be a parody of the exorcism used by the Roman Catholic Church: “It's just a blasphemy ritual poking fun at the Catholic ritual."

You and I and all God fearing Americans cannot allow this to go by unopposed.

That's why I urge you to send your instant e-protest to the Mayor of Oklahoma City, Mr. Cornett, respectfully asking him to use all the legal powers invested in him to cancel this event.

Send your e-protest message to Mayor Cornett.

A copy of your protest message will be automatically sent to the City Manager, Mr. Jim Couch.

Not Just Deficits but Abortion in Tea Party

By: Timothy P. Carney

The economy, taxes, spending, health care, and bailouts dominate the headlines and Tea Party rallies this year. But just beneath the surface, another issue is helping shape the midterm elections: abortion.

Lisa Murkowski, Mike Castle, Charlie Crist and Arlen Specter are the four highest-profile victims of the Tea Party insurgency. All four were pro-choice, with particularly contentious records on abortion. All four lost to staunch pro-lifers.

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/Tea-Partiers-oppose-abortion_-not-just-deficits-958613-103556329.html#ixzz10N0sNaK5

Minnesota Bishops Encourages Catholics to Act

Winona, Minn., Sep 19, 2010 / 07:47 am (CNA).- The bishops of Minnesota are “alarmed” by continuing attacks on marriage, Bishop of Winona John Quinn has said. He reported that Catholics of his diocese will receive a DVD and a letter from him to remind Catholics of church teaching and to explain the dangers of the legal recognition of same-sex “marriage.”

Story here:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/minnesota-bishop-encourages-catholics-to-act-against-same-sex-marriage-dangers/

Suffering with Joy

There is a valuable deposition from the canonization of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, given by her sister Celine. It reveals aspects of the saint’s life about which few are aware and to which, even less give due importance.

The information contained in this document is ironclad. Not only was Celine closer to Saint Therese than anyone else, but she gave this testimony in an official Church inquiry. Thus, it is scrupulously accurate. A part of this document states:

"The servant of God followed a path of simple confidence and total abandonment to God. She named this her little way of spiritual infancy. She continually corresponded to grace and performed generous acts. This is how she formed herself and her novices."

This shows the role that correspondence to grace plays in the little way. Most people are very familiar with the sweetness of Saint Therese’s spirituality, but neglect the roles of correspondence and suffering.

However, doing so denies almost every page of Saint Therese’s writings. In fact, she prized suffering so much that it became an integral part of who she was. Celine shows how this sweetness and suffering coexisted in the life of Saint Therese.

She says that Saint Therese always corresponded to grace. This correspondence is an act of the will. It consists in accepting the invitation to grace. This requires sacrifice, because frequently it forces one to behave contrary to his desires. Though Saint Therese was not the saint of great sacrifices, she constantly accepted little, simple and unpretentious ones.

Since these were unceasing, they weighed more heavily on her than great sufferings would have. At least these would have come in waves with periods of respite in between. Saint Therese’s life of constant sacrifice demonstrates the great-little suffering of her way.

Celine continues:

One day, I read a passage on the Eucharist that said Our Lord’s mercy will be granted to each according to the merit of his works. I asked the servant of God why mercy would be given according to the merit of one’s works. She was emphatic and immediately responded that confidence in God is nourished on sacrifice.

Pay close attention to her response. Saint Therese sustained herself on sacrifice.

She went on to say that each should give himself entirely and constantly renounce himself. In a single word, he should prove his love in every way and always do every good work that he can. This is the desire of little souls who run along the way of spiritual infancy. She finished: “I intentionally said that these souls run, because they never lag behind.”

Thus, the spirit of sacrifice is key to the little way. It means constantly offering little sufferings, and at times big ones, in a spirit of spiritual infancy, abandonment and confidence in God.

Saint Therese exemplified this spirit. She resolved always to ask for nothing and accept everything. Once, a nun was helping her arrange her habit and inadvertently stuck a pin through her flesh. Faithful to this spirit, Saint Therese never complained and left the pin where it was until she retired for the evening.

So, the relationship between the little way and suffering is clear. Nevertheless, there is still something mysterious about it, because Saint Therese’s life and writings, which are filled with affliction, are also imbued with a perfume of roses.

When one reads the Spiritual Exercises of the great Saint Ignatius, who I hold in highest esteem, it makes one’s hair stand on end. However, when Saint Therese writes the same thing, somehow it comes with a smile.

Written by Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira

Belgian Bishop of Bruges Against Celibacy and for Women Priests

http://cathcon.blogspot.com/2010/09/bishop-of-bruges-against-celibacy-and.html

And they wonder why there are problem in the Church in Belgium!

"Jozef De Kesel, the new Bishop of Bruges, has placed celibacy and the status of women within the church under discussion. In addition, the church in him blind to the suffering of the abused victims.

According to De Kesel celibacy should no longer be required to be a priest. "One could say that there should be celibate priests, but people for whom celibacy is humanly impossible, the chance should be given to become a priest," he told Radio 1.

America Says No to Ground Zero Mosque

Few Americans are unaware of the controversy over the proposed Ground Zero mosque in New York City. Thanks to the mainstream media, even fewer are aware of the protest against it on this year’s anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack. TFP Student Action volunteers joined the huge rally.

Same-sex "Marriage": Who Sounded the Retreat?

Written by John Horvat

In the history of war, we can observe many cases of battles where someone mistakenly sounds the retreat when victory was in sight. Traditional marriage has been taken to the polls 31 times and has won each time. So the homosexual movement resorts to judicial activists to impose its agenda. This seems to be the case against same-sex “marriage.” Traditional marriage has never been defeated. Thirty-one times it has been taken to the polls and thirty-one times it has won. Even in the bluest of blue states—California—it won against all expectations. In Maine, pro-family activists overturned the decision of the legislature. In New York, a same-sex “marriage” measure was defeated despite every effort by the Democratic majority in both houses to force it through. Homosexual activists in Massachusetts quaked in fear at the prospect that it might be put to the vote. District of Columbia councilmen overturned any possibility that residents might have a say in their government. Here we have an ideal issue which shows the tyranny of judicial activism at its worst. In the few cases, where same-sex “marriage” has been imposed upon us, most have been through judicial fiat. It is the conservative issue that best shows the brutality of the liberal agenda. The desperation is capped by a decision of Judge Vaughn Walker which struck down the California Marriage Amendment. Here is a court decision with evidence that is blatantly unscientific and biased. Here we have a single judge nullifying the votes of seven million Californians and redefining marriage in a single stroke. With thirty-one states banning the practice with constitutional amendments, the other side has no real future—except to sound the retreat. With 31 states banning same-sex “marriage,” who is spreading rumors that traditional marriage is a “lost cause?” To sound the retreat? Yes, to spread the rumors that the traditional marriage cause is lost. With the Judge Walker decision, there are those who are saying there is an air of inevitability to the eventual destruction of marriage in America. At the moment of our greatest victory, we are told that it is time to give up. Some “lions” of the right are beginning to make statements supporting civil unions or same-sex “marriage”—Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter and even Glenn Beck are saying this most important matter is no longer that important and it is time to move on (click here). Practical political “strategists” are saying we need to court the tiny part of that two percent of the American population which is homosexual—even at the risk of losing a much greater percent of their normal political base. And yet almost nothing has changed. There is still some 80 percent of Republicans that support marriage as a union of one man and one woman and 40 percent of Democrats share in the opposition to same-sex “marriage.” Thus, we have to ask: Who is sounding the retreat? Now is the time to sound the charge!

“I Am Going to Be the Best!”

Christopher Adlesperger was a "soft-hearted kid" his grandmother said.

by Norman Fulkerson

Christopher Adlesperger, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, received the Navy Cross when he singled handedly eliminated 13 Taliban in a vicious firefight. While he will always be remembered for the outstanding actions, which earned him a Navy Cross, his grandmother, Lynda Adlesperger, described the young man behind the heroics.

He is most commonly described, by those who knew him, as a soft-spoken, religious young man who loved poetry and art. What people don’t know are the difficulties he had to endure early in life.

When only 3 years old his parents divorced, leaving Christopher with the struggles of growing up in a single parent household. Like many children of divorce, Christopher was forced to grow up quickly. He also showed a great sensitivity towards the weakness and vulnerability of those around him and never refused them a helping hand.

For the rest of the story, please click here

Where Were You on 9/11? An Unforgettable Experience

Written by Norman Fulkerson

While most people were glued to their televisions on September 11 watching horrific scenes, we were stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, not knowing when or if we would ever get home. “All air space has been closed to incoming and outgoing traffic!” On September 11, 2001, my fellow TFP-member John Ritchie and I, along with three students of the TFP’s St. Louis de Montfort Academy, James Bascom, James Slobodnik, and Alex Zivnuska, left Paris on US Airways flight 27 bound for Philadelphia. What began as a routine flight turned into something very extraordinary when, just before landing in Philadelphia, the pilot announced that we had to land in Newfoundland because of engine problems. We eventually touched down in the city of Gander, whose airport was built in the 1930’s. With weeds growing as tall as a man in the middle of the tarmac, it became clear that not much had happened there since that time. All one could see for miles around were rolling hills covered with a thick spread of pines. We were in the middle of nowhere. The pilot then announced the real reason for our landing in Gander. “There is a security problem in the United States,” he said, “and all airspace has been closed to incoming and outgoing traffic.” This news quickly brought home to us the seriousness of our situation. The tragic events in the States began to trickle in through cell phones and a radio owned by one of the passengers. We first heard the news that planes had hit each of the World Trade Center towers. Then came the news that the towers had been leveled. No one could believe it. Some of the crewmembers began asking some nearby passengers, “Did you bring any food with you?” Those that did were told to use it sparingly or ration it as they saw fit. We were also told “it would be a good idea to save the little paper cups in the bathrooms” so that we would have a way to drink the remaining water in the plane’s tanks. Suggestions such as these made us realize that we had suddenly entered a world of uncertainties. We were loaded onto yellow school buses and taken to the nearby city of Gambo, a half-hour journey south of Gander. It was almost 24 hours later that we were finally able to disembark. Once inside the airport we encountered the most hospitable people I have ever met. Tables full of food and bottled water were laid out and we were told by smiling, tired faces, “Take as much as you want.” When we thanked them for their kindness they would simply respond with another smile, “This is what neighbors are for.” We were then loaded onto yellow school buses and taken to the nearby city of Gambo, a half-hour journey south of Gander. The last miles of our journey were over gravel roads. The surreal nature of our experience became apparent when we passed two black bears eating on the side of the road. We simply looked at each other and laughed. “Can our situation get any more bizarre?” One minute we were homeward-bound on what we imagined would be an uneventful trip; the next minute we were on a school bus with total strangers, riding down a gravel road past black bears, not knowing where on earth we were going or how long we would be there. We finally arrived at an Anglican church camp called Mint Brook and were warmly greeted by an Anglican priest, Rev. David. He graciously explained the layout of the camp and our accommodations. Thus began an ordeal that would only end five days later. Clockwise from top left: Alex Zivnuska, Norman Fulkerson, John Ritchie, James Slobodnik, and James Bascom. “People back home will not believe me when I tell them about you.” From the beginning of the twentieth century until now fashions and a proper code of conduct have “evolved” in a clearly dissolute direction. Most people have adapted themselves to this successive change without questioning. Members of the TFP, as well as the students at our Academy, have not. Our main concern when we landed in Gander was that of maintaining our distinction as men of principle. This meant not only the desire to preserve the appearance of being gentlemen but also the ideological integrity which should not be modified simply because the circumstances of life change. After it became clear that we would be spending an indefinite period of time in Camp Mint Brook, we were determined to maintain our way of being, cost what it may. A young man in a suit and tie on a hot sunny day when everything is normal is often looked upon as being weird or eccentric. Change the setting, however, and put the observer of such a young man in the state of uncertainty and all that changes. Suffering is most beneficial to the soul, for it obliges a person to philosophize and ask the question “Why?” People who at the beginning of our ordeal snickered at our way of being and dressing soon became intrigued as the days wore on and the news of the tragedies set in. They eventually looked upon the TFP differently. “I just have to get a picture of you all dressed up before we leave,” said one lady. “People back home will not believe me when I tell them about you.” As time went by, many people approached us with questions about who we are and what we do. After some time the inhabitants of this little island of Newfoundland ended up turning to the TFP with open arms and ears. One man, pointing to my lion pin, said in a very amusing way, “People in the camp are saying that those who wear that symbol are the counselors.” John Ritchie and James Slobodnik play a variety of military and patriotic songs for a pensive audience. “The boys” of St. Louis de Montfort Academy Those who caused the most sensation, however, were the young men of St. Louis de Montfort Academy, with their gentlemanly conduct and chivalrous way of being. Since I was the oldest person in our group, the students were often referred to as “my boys.” One lady approached me during our stay, and said; “I thought my son was good until I met ‘your boys.’” Another lady came up to me after dinner one day and said, “I hope the parents of these boys know what outstanding sons they have.” The apex of this affection came on Saturday, September 15, the day before we left. I had just finished my lunch when I saw John Ritchie and James Slobodnik walking across the lawn in the direction of the dining hall. They were both carrying the musical instruments they had taken with them to France. The dining hall was jampacked with about 120 people. When they entered the room, everyone burst into a roaring applause. Not a dry eye in the house “We have spent the morning watching all the memorial services on TV,” I began. “All of us were touched by the show of patriotism we see in our country, and we thought it would be a good idea to have a moment of silence before we leave Newfoundland to remember those that died.” Every head bowed immediately. Some minutes later, John Ritchie played our National Anthem. While most people sang along, others wept uncontrollably. When the Anthem finished, however, the whole room erupted into a thunderous applause once again. The look of hope in everyone’s eye was noteworthy. It was a sad day for our country, but just as the sorrow of Our Lady, whose feast we celebrated that day, was transformed into the triumph of the Resurrection, we felt that the tragedies of September 11 could also be transformed into victory. School buses wait as passengers gather their belongings to leave for the airport. After playing some other military and patriotic hymns, we announced, “We are going to play taps in honor of the heroic firemen who died trying to save others in the World Trade Center.” There was not a dry eye in the house as the sound of that moving and symbolic piece of music drifted overhead. “Diamonds” and a double rainbow Upon leaving the room there was roaring applause once again as many people followed us outside. Rain had given way to brilliant sunshine, which illuminated the dripping vegetation. Our little world was suddenly transformed into a diamond wonderland. People approached us to express their gratitude. “I want to thank you very much for what you just did,” said one lady, as tears rolled down her cheeks. “You have no idea how much it meant to me.” Another man whom I had conversed with on several occasions also approached and with a very determined look in his eyes said, “Tell me again, what is the name of your organization?” Another lady, who from the first moment showed appreciation for our way of dressing and acting, said, “I knew from the first moment I saw you that you were special; now I know I was right.” Gary Daniels, a passenger from first class who had become known as “the mayor” of Mint Brook because of his leadership qualities, came up to me and in something of a reproachful tone said, “Norman, you have been holding out on us. You guys are great. Why didn’t you play in the beginning?” I jokingly responded how “the best wine had to be saved for last.” Many others came up and asked us to stand close to one another so they could take pictures while others asked for a group photo of us in front of cabin number 8, which had been our home in Camp Mint Brook. It was funny how many people took our little concert as a sign that at last we were going to be able to go home. As the sun broke through the clouds, passengers of flight 27 marveled at a splendid rainbow. Later we had a few more showers but the sun came out and shone once again with an impressive brilliance. With it came a magnificent double rainbow that, since the time of Noah, has been a sign of hope. The events of September 11 gave us valuable glimpses of what we might expect in the future. Our stay in Newfoundland, however, showed us that no matter what happens Our Lady will continue to be Our Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness, and our Hope no matter what the future brings. If Our Lady helped us to the degree she did, in proportion to our needs in Newfoundland, she will also do the same for all her children in the days ahead leading up to the triumph of her Immaculate Heart.

Where Were You on 9/11? An Unforgettable Experience

Written by Norman Fulkerson

While most people were glued to their televisions on September 11 watching horrific scenes, we were stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, not knowing when or if we would ever get home. “All air space has been closed to incoming and outgoing traffic!” On September 11, 2001, my fellow TFP-member John Ritchie and I, along with three students of the TFP’s St. Louis de Montfort Academy, James Bascom, James Slobodnik, and Alex Zivnuska, left Paris on US Airways flight 27 bound for Philadelphia. What began as a routine flight turned into something very extraordinary when, just before landing in Philadelphia, the pilot announced that we had to land in Newfoundland because of engine problems. We eventually touched down in the city of Gander, whose airport was built in the 1930’s. With weeds growing as tall as a man in the middle of the tarmac, it became clear that not much had happened there since that time. All one could see for miles around were rolling hills covered with a thick spread of pines. We were in the middle of nowhere. The pilot then announced the real reason for our landing in Gander. “There is a security problem in the United States,” he said, “and all airspace has been closed to incoming and outgoing traffic.” This news quickly brought home to us the seriousness of our situation. The tragic events in the States began to trickle in through cell phones and a radio owned by one of the passengers. We first heard the news that planes had hit each of the World Trade Center towers. Then came the news that the towers had been leveled. No one could believe it. Some of the crewmembers began asking some nearby passengers, “Did you bring any food with you?” Those that did were told to use it sparingly or ration it as they saw fit. We were also told “it would be a good idea to save the little paper cups in the bathrooms” so that we would have a way to drink the remaining water in the plane’s tanks. Suggestions such as these made us realize that we had suddenly entered a world of uncertainties. We were loaded onto yellow school buses and taken to the nearby city of Gambo, a half-hour journey south of Gander. It was almost 24 hours later that we were finally able to disembark. Once inside the airport we encountered the most hospitable people I have ever met. Tables full of food and bottled water were laid out and we were told by smiling, tired faces, “Take as much as you want.” When we thanked them for their kindness they would simply respond with another smile, “This is what neighbors are for.” We were then loaded onto yellow school buses and taken to the nearby city of Gambo, a half-hour journey south of Gander. The last miles of our journey were over gravel roads. The surreal nature of our experience became apparent when we passed two black bears eating on the side of the road. We simply looked at each other and laughed. “Can our situation get any more bizarre?” One minute we were homeward-bound on what we imagined would be an uneventful trip; the next minute we were on a school bus with total strangers, riding down a gravel road past black bears, not knowing where on earth we were going or how long we would be there. We finally arrived at an Anglican church camp called Mint Brook and were warmly greeted by an Anglican priest, Rev. David. He graciously explained the layout of the camp and our accommodations. Thus began an ordeal that would only end five days later. Clockwise from top left: Alex Zivnuska, Norman Fulkerson, John Ritchie, James Slobodnik, and James Bascom. “People back home will not believe me when I tell them about you.” From the beginning of the twentieth century until now fashions and a proper code of conduct have “evolved” in a clearly dissolute direction. Most people have adapted themselves to this successive change without questioning. Members of the TFP, as well as the students at our Academy, have not. Our main concern when we landed in Gander was that of maintaining our distinction as men of principle. This meant not only the desire to preserve the appearance of being gentlemen but also the ideological integrity which should not be modified simply because the circumstances of life change. After it became clear that we would be spending an indefinite period of time in Camp Mint Brook, we were determined to maintain our way of being, cost what it may. A young man in a suit and tie on a hot sunny day when everything is normal is often looked upon as being weird or eccentric. Change the setting, however, and put the observer of such a young man in the state of uncertainty and all that changes. Suffering is most beneficial to the soul, for it obliges a person to philosophize and ask the question “Why?” People who at the beginning of our ordeal snickered at our way of being and dressing soon became intrigued as the days wore on and the news of the tragedies set in. They eventually looked upon the TFP differently. “I just have to get a picture of you all dressed up before we leave,” said one lady. “People back home will not believe me when I tell them about you.” As time went by, many people approached us with questions about who we are and what we do. After some time the inhabitants of this little island of Newfoundland ended up turning to the TFP with open arms and ears. One man, pointing to my lion pin, said in a very amusing way, “People in the camp are saying that those who wear that symbol are the counselors.” John Ritchie and James Slobodnik play a variety of military and patriotic songs for a pensive audience. “The boys” of St. Louis de Montfort Academy Those who caused the most sensation, however, were the young men of St. Louis de Montfort Academy, with their gentlemanly conduct and chivalrous way of being. Since I was the oldest person in our group, the students were often referred to as “my boys.” One lady approached me during our stay, and said; “I thought my son was good until I met ‘your boys.’” Another lady came up to me after dinner one day and said, “I hope the parents of these boys know what outstanding sons they have.” The apex of this affection came on Saturday, September 15, the day before we left. I had just finished my lunch when I saw John Ritchie and James Slobodnik walking across the lawn in the direction of the dining hall. They were both carrying the musical instruments they had taken with them to France. The dining hall was jampacked with about 120 people. When they entered the room, everyone burst into a roaring applause. Not a dry eye in the house “We have spent the morning watching all the memorial services on TV,” I began. “All of us were touched by the show of patriotism we see in our country, and we thought it would be a good idea to have a moment of silence before we leave Newfoundland to remember those that died.” Every head bowed immediately. Some minutes later, John Ritchie played our National Anthem. While most people sang along, others wept uncontrollably. When the Anthem finished, however, the whole room erupted into a thunderous applause once again. The look of hope in everyone’s eye was noteworthy. It was a sad day for our country, but just as the sorrow of Our Lady, whose feast we celebrated that day, was transformed into the triumph of the Resurrection, we felt that the tragedies of September 11 could also be transformed into victory. School buses wait as passengers gather their belongings to leave for the airport. After playing some other military and patriotic hymns, we announced, “We are going to play taps in honor of the heroic firemen who died trying to save others in the World Trade Center.” There was not a dry eye in the house as the sound of that moving and symbolic piece of music drifted overhead. “Diamonds” and a double rainbow Upon leaving the room there was roaring applause once again as many people followed us outside. Rain had given way to brilliant sunshine, which illuminated the dripping vegetation. Our little world was suddenly transformed into a diamond wonderland. People approached us to express their gratitude. “I want to thank you very much for what you just did,” said one lady, as tears rolled down her cheeks. “You have no idea how much it meant to me.” Another man whom I had conversed with on several occasions also approached and with a very determined look in his eyes said, “Tell me again, what is the name of your organization?” Another lady, who from the first moment showed appreciation for our way of dressing and acting, said, “I knew from the first moment I saw you that you were special; now I know I was right.” Gary Daniels, a passenger from first class who had become known as “the mayor” of Mint Brook because of his leadership qualities, came up to me and in something of a reproachful tone said, “Norman, you have been holding out on us. You guys are great. Why didn’t you play in the beginning?” I jokingly responded how “the best wine had to be saved for last.” Many others came up and asked us to stand close to one another so they could take pictures while others asked for a group photo of us in front of cabin number 8, which had been our home in Camp Mint Brook. It was funny how many people took our little concert as a sign that at last we were going to be able to go home. As the sun broke through the clouds, passengers of flight 27 marveled at a splendid rainbow. Later we had a few more showers but the sun came out and shone once again with an impressive brilliance. With it came a magnificent double rainbow that, since the time of Noah, has been a sign of hope. The events of September 11 gave us valuable glimpses of what we might expect in the future. Our stay in Newfoundland, however, showed us that no matter what happens Our Lady will continue to be Our Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness, and our Hope no matter what the future brings. If Our Lady helped us to the degree she did, in proportion to our needs in Newfoundland, she will also do the same for all her children in the days ahead leading up to the triumph of her Immaculate Heart.

Don Bosco is Coming!

The Relics of St. John Bosco are making a pilgrimage around the world to prepare for the celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Saint's birth! The Relics will be brought to the cities, towns, neighborhoods, and centers where the Salesians serve. The closest place to St. Louis will be Chicago on October 2-4.

Click here to see a map of the visits.

Don Bosco's Relics are in Mexico right now, which means one thing - we're next! The Relics will arrive from Mexico, into California on September 11, 2010.

The relics of Don Bosco have been recomposed from the urn that contained his remains since 1929 when the body was exhumed for his beatification and canonization. The bones and tissues of the right hand and arm have been taken and placed within a wax replica of St. John Bosco's body, whic in turn is enclosed in a large urn.

The urn was contructed specially for this pilgrimage. It is composed of a large glass box in which the wax replica is placed, and easily viewed. The box is mounted atop a large wood and metal cart. Among the urn's decorations are the words, "Da mihi animas, ceatera tolle," which translates to, "Give me souls, take away the rest."

Our Lady’s Birth and the Triumph of Her Reign

The Nativity of Our Lady by Andrea di Bartolo

The following text is taken from an informal lecture Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira gave on September 8, 1966. It has been translated and adapted for publication without his revision. –Ed.

Everything the Church does is wise. In Her wisdom, She classifies the different levels of honor to be paid to God, Our Lady and the saints. The first level, called latria or adoration, is only for God and Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Incarnate Word.

The cult of dulia is veneration or mediation, which the Church pays to the saints. However, there is a special category of honor that the Church only pays to Our Lady, called hyperdulia. Our Lady ranks so high above all other saints that the Church had to create a special cult to describe devotion to her. This demonstrates the unique position of Our Lady in all creation.

The Church teaches this in a number of ways. For example: Besides that of Our Lord and Saint John the Baptist, no other birthday is celebrated; no other saint has more than one feast day per year; and while the Church does not allow the same saint to be represented multiple times on the same altar, She permits any number of images of Our Lady to be placed anywhere in a church. Also, the Church celebrates dozens of calendar feasts, liturgical ceremonies and pious practices in Our Lady’s honor.

Among these, Our Lady’s Holy Nativity has a special significance, since it marked a new era in the history of the chosen people.

Since the Old Testament is no more than the account of the wait for the Messias, it can be divided into two phases: The first would be the 4,000-5,000 years before Our Lady’s birth. The second is after that blessed moment in which Providence resolved to bring forth she, whose prayer would bring the Messias.

Her birth was the arrival of that perfect creature who was full of grace before God. Without her, the prayers and sufferings of all humanity would have failed to bring the Incarnation. However with her, the trajectory of history was forever changed. All prayers became more effective and a new manner of blessings and graces began producing sanctity like never before.

Our Lady served as the “Doorway to Heaven” that the hope of the Messias’ coming passed through. Her presence on earth was the occasion for signal graces. The height of her contemplation gave her a force of presence. It made her a fountain of so many and such high graces, that her very existence was an annunciation of Our Lord’s coming.

Thus, the feast of Our Lady’s nativity is very dear. It is the beginning of the Redemption that would eventually defeat the evil powers of paganism and the Gentiles.

There is a profound relationship between Our Lady’s coming and what is occurring in modern society. Once again, Our Lady has taken a pivotal role in history, by raising up souls that burn with the desire for her reign amid the darkness of neo-paganism. They clamor for it and fight for its implantation on earth.

These souls are like Our Lady of the Old Testament. The light has not yet come; neither has the redemption, victory nor liberation from the devil. However, these souls spread graces of hope and determination, in such a way, that they herald the coming victory.

Thus, Our Lady’s nativity is symbolically repeated to prepare the coming of her reign, prophesied by Saint Louis de Montfort and the apparitions of Fatima.

For those who desire Our Lady’s victory, this feast day is especially important. These should pray fervently, for the immediate coming of Her reign, when the long dark night of sin will be eclipsed by her triumph.

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You can order a free 2011 Fatima calendar:

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Many Gave Some, Mr. Fred Gave All!

Mr. Fred Porfilio giving slogans through a mega-phone, during a TFP Street Campaign.

In Memoriam: Frederick V. Porfilio 1939 – 1990

by Mr. Joseph Ferrara

20 Years Later (1990-2010)

“Our Lady loves us!” In the moments when the daily routine was the most difficult, one could often hear these words escaping the lips of fellow TFP member, Frederick Vincent Porfilio, better know as “Mr. Fred.” He had a keen notion of man’s contingency and the need of an unlimited confidence in the maternal solicitude and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mr. Fred was born of Italian immigrants in New York on September 28, 1939 and lived most of his life in the Bronx. He was a man of many talents and tried his hand at several professions. He was a taxi cab driver, carpenter, Army paratrooper, bartender and even an actor. The fact that he never persevered in any of them was a sure sign that Providence had other designs for this soul that would one day selflessly dedicate itself to the cause of defending Christian civilization.

Mr. Fred's military patches and insignias from his days as an Army paratrooper.

When Mr. Fred met The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) in 1975, he had already discerned the emptiness of everything the world had to offer him. Like the prodigal son returning to his father’s house, he left the world behind to embrace once again the Faith of his ancestors.

He once confided to me that, when he was aspiring to an acting career, he had to put on airs to impress the “talent sharks.” Seeing the hypocrisy in this, Mr. Fred resolved one evening to tell his would-be mentors what he really thought of them, thus closing the door forever on his acting career. Many years later, Mr. Fred would put his acting skills to good use in plays and skits for friends, youth and supporters at TFP conferences.

Mr. Fred stood out for his readiness and dedication to the many duties required of TFP members. He excelled in street campaigning and could always be counted on to shout slogans, sell magazines or distribute fliers. He was also ready to travel across the country and back when duty called.

Among his many talents were his carpentry skills. He made everything from beds to kneelers and even a huge medieval banquet table. As every good Italian, he was often found in the kitchen providing a tasty repast.

Guinness World Book certificate presented to Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) for its record 5.3 million signatures in defense of Lithuanian Independence.

In the last years of his life, Mr. Fred stood out for his leadership qualities. He was asked to lead a “caravan,” a group of young volunteers, which would travel the country in a massive petition drive collecting signatures for the independence of Lithuania. In 1990, Lithuania sought freedom from the tyranny of Soviet communism. In a worldwide effort, the TFPs collected more than five million signatures, across five continents, in what the 1993 Guinness Book of World Records termed the largest verifiable petition drive in history.

During this singular campaign initiative, the TFP caravans put in many miles and exhausting hours driving and visiting cities all across America. The caravans in the United States alone collected more than 800,000 signatures. During the long days, and the nights, the members were giving their all.

During this campaign, Mr. Fred was an example of dedication and enthusiasm. It was also at the height of this true service to Christian civilization that Divine Providence called Mr. Fred through a tragic car accident. On September 3, 1990, Mr. Fred died as a passenger in a van that accidentally went off the road and turned over in Tennessee.

God also called to Himself a young member of the caravan, Daryl Huang, who was the son of Chinese immigrants and was most dear to Our Lady in the short service he rendered to her cause.

On the twentieth anniversary of their deaths, The American TFP, its friends and supporters remember these two valiant souls and make their own the words and sentiments of TFP founder Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira who considered them as “two lilies that Our Lady harvested from the garden of the American TFP.”

Members of TFP delegation presenting (then) Lithuanian President Vytautas Landsbergis with a parchment documenting TFP's monumental effort for his country.

On Missouri Rosary Rally + 4,000 More!

Rosary rallies are going to be happening all over the country. Take a look at one rosary rally banner that is in front of the Church in New Melle. Sign up below!

Thanks to Our Lady, on Sept. 1, we signed up the 4,000th rosary rally captain for the Public Rosary Crusade which is scheduled for October 16th.

You can sign up by going here:

http://www.americaneedsfatima.org/PSRR-Articles/2010rrc-signup.html