- Written by Benjamin Broussard
The last weekend of October was supposed to be another routine National
Conference for the American TFP, similar to the many conferences hosted
in years past. However, several factors coincided to make this year’s
conference an event far from the ordinary. The approach of Hurricane
Sandy, along with news of snowstorms to the west, gave a powerful
backdrop for this year’s events, providing many parallels which the
different speakers alluded to throughout the conference. In a sure sign
of Divine Providence, the threatening weather did not begin until well
after most guests had departed at the conference’s conclusion.
Over 200 supporters, members, and friends of the American TFP gathered
October 26-28 at the TFP’s national headquarters in Spring Grove, Penn.
As guests arrived Friday evening, lively discussions soon filled the
medieval-style tent as the wonderful aromas of wood-fired brick oven
pizza enhanced the ambience. Students from
St. Louis de Montfort Academy
were on hand to serve meals, and helped assure things ran smoothly
throughout the conference. The conversations lasted long into the night
as the guests continued to arrive, from Pennsylvania locals to visitors
from as far away as Brazil and Hawaii.
Persecution of the Church — Why Our Lady Weeps
The theme of the conference coincided poignantly with an important
anniversary: “40 Years after Our Lady’s Miraculous Weeping in New
Orleans: Reflection, Reparation, and Action.”
 |
Mr. John Horvat II introduces his new book “Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to
an Organic Christian Society — Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here, and Where We Need to Go.” |
In his opening remarks Saturday morning, Mr. Michael Drake related to
participants the different storms threatening our culture, the
approaching Hurricane Sandy serving as a chilling reminder. Mr. Mario
Navarro da Costa, director of the TFP’s Washington Bureau, continued the
morning with “Reflections on Why Our Lady Weeps,” giving the comments
of Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira in 1972 after
Our Lady wept in New Orleans,
then covering a series of recent news stories accentuating reasons Our
Lady has reason to weep today. His talk was followed by Mr. Luis Solimeo
explaining the history of
liberation theology
and the crisis within the Church, with Mr. Gustavo Solimeo offering the
solution to the Church’s crisis: always looking to the perennial
teaching of the Church, and having absolute confidence in the Queen of
Heaven.
Following a break for lunch, Mr. Rex Teodosio presented “The Islamist
Persecution of the Church Around the World,” highlighting the
plight of Catholics
around the world in the midst of persecution by Muslims, along with
clearing many misconceptions regarding Islam in general. Mr. James
Bascom next spoke regarding “Communist and Secularist Persecution
Against the Church,” detailing the plans of radical
environmentalists
for the destruction of society. The afternoon concluded with
Mr. Michael Chad Shibler speaking of “The Imposition of a Civilization
Contrary to the Catholic Ideal,” explaining the
dangers in modern technologies and media, which are being used to destroy man’s capacity for contemplation and deep thought, as well as being a
barrier to the spiritual life.
Our Lady’s Graces and Blessings
Breaks between the various talks provided opportunities for
refreshments and the renewal of old friendships, while simultaneously
giving time for making new friends amid discussions of the topics
covered by the different speakers. Though these moments seemed all too
brief, Our Lady’s blessing on the gathering could be felt during the
lively convivium, as participants savored the chance to talk with
like-minded Catholics from around the country.
After many more conversations during a festive dinner, Saturday
concluded with the traditional candlelight rosary procession. TFP
members in full habit marched in procession before the American TFP’s
life-sized statue of
Our Lady of Hope, Macarena,
carried on the strong shoulders of supporters. When the procession
reached its destination, the melodious chants of the Salve Regina,
Litany of Loreto, and Ave Maris Stella resounded in the cool autumn air,
enchanting all present and giving fitting honor to the Queen of Angels.
 |
| The traditional candlelight rosary procession accompanying the life-size statue of Our Lady of Hope, Macarena. |
The evening concluded with an inspiring video presentation on the life
of Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio, a fourteen year old boy who bravely
suffered martyrdom for Christ the King during Mexico’s Cristero War.
Conversations afterward continued long into the night as the gentle
light of the full moon illuminated the fall landscape, clearly a sign of
Our Lady’s maternal protection.
A Return to Order
Sunday’s talks and events centered on introducing the TFP’s new book titled:
Return
to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society —
Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here, and Where We Need to Go.
Mr. Norman Fulkerson began the day with an inspiring talk titled “Signs
of Hope, Grace, and Reaction,” telling of the importance of the action
of angels in the life of grace, and how myth forms a powerful means for
shaping public opinion and individual perceptions. In a unique fashion,
Mr. Fulkerson concluded his talk by emphatically thanking the angels
present, which received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the
audience.
The author of
Return to Order, American TFP
Vice-President Mr. John Horvat II, gave a detailed introduction to the
book’s scope and contents, garnering much enthusiasm and anticipation in
his audience concerning the book’s imminent release in 2013, after some
20 years of work on the project. This was followed by Mr. Michael
Whitcraft giving a preview of a portion of the book regarding organic
solutions to today’s problems, both moral and economic.
On Sunday afternoon, the final talk introducing the book was offered by
Mr. Robert Ritchie, delving into practical ways in which supporters can
help the campaign to promote
Return to Order,
and the importance of the ideas contained in the book as a Catholic
solution to our nation’s problems. Throughout the presentation,
Mr. Ritchie was certain to emphasize how the campaign for promotion of
Return to Order can be considered the American TFP’s most important campaign.
Christ the King and the Reign of Mary
The afternoon concluded with Holy Mass in the nearby city of York, with
music provided by a choir of TFP members accompanied by Mr. Philip
Calder on organ. Fittingly, the celebration began with a magnificent
chant popular since the days of Charlemagne, “Christus vincit, Christus
regnat, Christus imperat!” (Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ
commands!) Mass for the Feast of Christ the King underscored the
recurring theme of the need for Our Lord to reign over temporal society.
Upon return to TFP Headquarters, many marveled at the transformation
which had taken place in their absence. The tent for meals had been
taken down entirely, and the indoor meeting room had been transformed
into a medieval banquet hall. Amid great mirth, the highlight of the
evening, and, as many would remark later, of the conference as a whole,
was the keynote address given by Prince Bertrand of Orleans-Braganza,
who spoke on “Return to Order and the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of
Mary.” So important was the speech to him, that for the first time in
his many years of attending the American TFP’s conferences, his remarks
were given entirely in English. Summing up what those before him had
alluded to, Prince Bertrand encouraged all to have confidence in the
Mother of God, who said at Fatima, “Finally, my Immaculate Heart will
triumph.”
 |
| Prince Bertrand of Orleans-Braganza gives the keynote address of the 2012 TFP National Conference. |
Refreshed physically and spiritually after a very busy weekend,
conference participants returned home, fully aware of the different
types of storms on the horizon, but trusting in the solution to both:
absolute confidence in the Mother of God. Through the many graces given,
may Our Lady use all those who attended to implant the reign of her
wise and Immaculate Heart in America and throughout the world.
