2005
TFP Conference:
Facing America’s Culture War
The 2005 TFP National Conference was
more than just a simple gathering. The Columbus Day weekend
event doubled as an occasion to launch the American TFP’s
new book, Rejecting The Da Vinci Code: How a Blasphemous
Novel Brutally Attacks Our Lord and the Catholic Church.
In addition, participants were invited to pay a special
tribute to Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira on the
tenth anniversary of his death.
With these goals in mind, nearly 280
supporters, members and friends filled to capacity the
facilities at the TFP’s national headquarters in
Spring Grove, Penn. This year's theme was “When
Our Catholic Faith Clashes with Our Secular Culture: The
Counter-Revolutionary Response.” The conference
speakers focused on the multiple attacks on the Catholic
faith in a hostile cultural climate.
Torrential rain could not dampen the
enthusiasm of those that filled the tent-auditorium to
listen to TFP speakers. The atmosphere was not only that
of an annual counter-revolutionary event but a convocation
to a great moral crusade. With the book launching, Catholics
from across the nation were invited to participate legally
and peacefully in this important battle in the ongoing
Cultural War.
Facing the Cultural War
Indeed, facing America’s Culture
War was the main focus of the conference talks and workshops.
As in past conferences, TFP members and directors based
their speeches on the principles of the book, Revolution
and Counter-Revolution by TFP founder, Prof.
Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira.
TFP Vice President John Horvat spoke
on "The Coming Great Clash." He contrasted the
modern pursuit of happiness with a contrary Catholic viewpoint.
He then showed how modern society lives in denial of the
Catholic view and how to prepare for what he termed “a
coming great clash” between the two positions.
As a follow-up, American TFP member Michael Whitcraft
delivered a masterful presentation on “The Suffering
of Life, True Joy and Convivium.” Mr. Whitcraft
explored the common understanding of what he called the
“Hollywood myth of perfect happiness,” showing
how it shallowly promises only material happiness. In
the end, this secular vision of life really only delivers
lies, frustration and tears as opposed to the Catholic
concept of happiness in giving, sacrificing and overcoming
challenges.
Speaking about how to deal with a culture
that once supported but now suppresses morality was the
topic presented by American TFP member Michael Drake.
His talk, "Why Some Issues and Not Others: Hitting
Them Where it Hurts,” developed the point of choosing
battles in the Cultural War. He specifically mentioned
moral issues that touch sensitive chords in the American
soul.
Other talks included Mr. Joao Carlos
Leal da Costa who offered considerations in the wake of
Hurricane Katrina where tragedy took New Orleans by surprise.
Mr. Norman Fulkerson presented “The Papacy of Pius
IX: A Model for Dealing with Secular Pressure.”
His account of the political and cultural conditions during
the reign of Pius IX showed helpful parallels to the present
day. Blessed Pius IX’s tactics and strong response
to the liberals of the time showed how Catholics today
must act.
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Talks and Action
It is not enough to simply talk
about the Cultural War. One must also face it. Thus, the
2005 National Conference served as a platform for the
official launching of the TFP’s latest book, Rejecting
The Da Vinci Code: How a Blasphemous Novel Brutally Attacks
Our Lord and the Catholic Church. Written by the
TFP Committee on American Issues, the book is a broadside
on Dan Brown’s bestseller The Da Vinci Code
which is soon to become a movie. TFP Speaker José
A. Schelini presented “The Da Vinci Code
and Cultural Terrorism,” a succinct summary of the
TFP book and unmasking of its Gnostic message.
EWTN host Fr. John Trigilio warmly recommended
the book at his luncheon address where he decried the
use of fiction to spread error. He has called the TFP
book “a solid refutation of the ludicrous claims,
preposterous theories and historical inaccuracies”
contained in the popular novel.
America Needs Fatima director Robert
E. Ritchie outlined the campaign plans in response the
May 19 release of the film. The TFP has already initiated
several successful protests to SONY Corporation, parent
company of Columbia Pictures which is filming the movie
version. Mr. Ritchie summarized a long list of action
items which will include protests outside hundreds of
theaters nationwide. He invited all participants to become
actively involved in their areas.
A Special Tribute
Remembered throughout the whole
National Conference was the inspiration of Prof. Plinio
Corrêa de Oliveira, founder of the first TFP in
Brazil. Lamenting his death in 1995, the American TFP
joined the other TFPs around the world in honoring and
paying tribute to this outstanding Catholic leader, so
fittingly called the twentieth century crusader.
Mr. Marcos Garcia of the Association
of the Founders of the TFP - Tradition, Family and Property
presented a moving tribute to Prof. Corrêa de Oliveira
during the conference. As someone who knew him over a
long period of time, Mr. Garcia told stories illustrating
his special affection for those involved in the Counter-revolutionary
struggle, his love for Holy Mother Church and his certainty
of victory.
Dr. Plinio's memory, insight and influence
were never far from the minds of those present.
An Unforgettable Experience
For some events in life, there is
no substitution for actually being there.
For some, the joy of being together
with others of like mind was the greatest joy. Others
savored the chance to converse and renew old friendships
and forge new ones.
Young people gave life and enthusiasm
to the gathering. Students from the TFP-run St.
Louis de Montfort Academy and members of TFP
Student Action were everywhere helping to make things
run smoothly.
Even the suffering due to weather had
its unforgettable aspects. Rain cancelled the rosary procession
around the TFP property but all prayed a memorable rosary
in the tent while sheltered from the tempest. The TFP's
Holy Choir of Angels Band likewise defied the rain and
performed a selection of pieces for drums, fifes, brass
and bagpipes inside the tent much to the delight of those
present.
Closing Highlights
The weekend’s activities came
to close with a High Mass celebrated Sunday afternoon
with permission from Most Rev. Kevin Rhoades, Bishop of
Harrisburg, at St. Patrick’s Church in York, Penn.
The Latin Mass was sung by the TFP Choir and attended
by well over 300 people. The church was a perfect setting
for the splendorous ceremony which ended with the Papal
Hymn with organ, trumpet and choir.
After mass, the closing dinner
was held at the grand ballroom of the nearby historic
Yorktowne Hotel. The gathering-launching-tribute conference
officially ended with closing remarks by Louisiana TFP
representative Thomas Drake. However, the farewells lingered
far into the night. All were better prepared to face the
Culture War and return home to engage in the local battles
that lay ahead.
