Nothing to Fear
By Michael Whitcraft
Taking a stand in the face of a public opinion is not always easy. When the time comes to publicly proclaim the Faith, a certain degree of jitters are expected. To overcome these jitters, I decided to protest at the Regal Theaters in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on May 7.
I knew that the theater would not be showing the blasphemous Da Vinci Code film for nearly two weeks, but I also knew that it would be a great opportunity to wet my feet and get an idea of what I will be facing on opening night and afterwards, when I will participate in bigger protests at busier theaters.
I also thought it would be a good opportunity to let the hundreds of protest organizers across the country know what they can expect when the time comes to protest in their respective areas. I wanted to help them deal with the butterflies in their stomachs and assure them that there is nothing to fear.
TFP-member Norman Fulkerson and I loaded up the van, picked up students Thomas Schutzman and Christopher Vermett, who study at the TFP-staffed St. Louis de Montfort Academy and headed to 1500 Caughy Drive, where the theater is located.
As we drove up to the theater, we first had to decide where to set-up. Being in a small group made things both easier and more difficult. While it increased our mobility, it also made our choice of location key. Few people are easily missed, if not properly positioned.
Since the theater sat quite a distance from the road, we first checked if we could set up at the entrance. Unfortunately, all the land surrounding the theater was private property, so we assembled on a public street corner at the entrance to the theater’s parking lot.
This position was ideal. Everyone going to the theater was forced to pass in front of our protest; everyone passing by on the street would also see us; and since we were on the roadside, we knew that we could not be shut down. The First Amendment guarantees us the right to assemble on public property.
We unfurled a 13-foot banner that read: “The Da Vinci Code insults Our Lord Jesus Christ, attacks His Church and our sacred Catholic Faith,” and immediately began reciting the rosary. As we prayed, my initial uneasiness left, and I became enthusiastic.
We finished the first five decades of the rosary and a lady stopped her car in the middle of the road to give us encouragement by unrolling her window and saying: “That book is horrible. I don’t even want to read it.” Shortly, another man stopped and agreed with the slogan on our banner.
We continued to pray and began shouting slogans at passing cars, such as: “Reject The Da Vinci Code” or “Protest Da Vinci!” People’s reaction varied greatly. Many put down their heads in a pensive manner, others honked to give us a thumbs-up. Some were visibly annoyed at our presence or even made obscene gestures. All in all, I was amazed by the amount of support we received.
After a little over an hour, we came together to close the protest with three Hail Marys. It was that easy.
On the trip home, I reflected on the campaign. I was happy to have taken part in even a simple effort to console Our Lord, Who is offended by The Da Vinci Code’s blasphemies. I felt, in some small way, I had acted like Veronica during the Passion. While I cannot stop the film, at least I can publicly comfort Our Lord, Who is reviled by such lies and distortions.
Second, I was astounded at how much positive reaction we received. At least seventy-five percent of those who manifested a position were favorable to our efforts.
Last, I was shocked at how easy it was. I found that the butterflies in my stomach quickly disappeared once the protest began. Remember this when it comes time for you to protest. Once the campaign is underway, your butterflies will also disappear.
If you do not believe me, do what I did. Hold a simple protest before the movie opens. You have nothing to lose…and above all nothing to fear.
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