By William Gossett
“Finally! Young men who are Crusaders! It gives me hope to see young men like you.”
Amidst the barrage of immorality and mediocrity in this post-modern society, 50 young men attended the 2015 TFP Call to Chivalry Summer Camp in Louisiana to learn about heroism, virtue and how to be true manly Catholics.
The theme of the camp focused on the glorious history of Catholic France. The ambience, conversations, and presentations revolved around France and her marvels: the beauty of Mont Saint Michel, the splendor of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, the castles and cathedrals. The boys heard about great Catholic leaders such as St. Louis of France, St. Joan of Arc, Charlemagne and Roland, St. Louis de Montfort and Georges Cadoudal. They learned all about the Chouans and Vendéens who fought valiantly against the French Revolution. They also heard about the horrors of the French Revolution. Along with the talks, many vivacious skits were performed.
The boys made an intense nine mile hike at the Homochito National Forest in Mississippi. They also worked in teams during the French Revolution-era-themed Treasure Hunt. Oh, cannot forget, they thoroughly enjoyed the many hours of outdoor games.
Taking a Stand as the Crusaders of Old
Halfway through the camp, the boys traveled to New Orleans to do a pro-life street campaign in front of the under-construction Planned Parenthood abortion clinic. Planned Parenthood plans to kill 4,000 babies a year at this location.
With spirits high and rosaries in hand, these boys took a public stand for the defenseless babies, while advocating and praying for the abolition of abortion. There was some pro-abortion opposition, but it was quite weak. Call to Chivalry Camp: 1, pro-abortionist: 0.
The trip to New Orleans finished with a meal fit for an army at Churra’s Brazilian Grill, where Brazilian barbecue was served. All enjoyed it and ate with the appetites of hardy Gaucho cowboys.
Repercussions About the Camp
The Call to Chivalry camp made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, a great apostle to New Orleans. While there, the camp was given a tour by Mrs. Elizabeth Fitzpatrick who, herself, was miraculously cured through the intercession of Blessed Seelos.
While talking to the boys she said, “After hearing the recent Supreme Court ruling on same-sex ‘marriage’, I became sad and disheartened. But now, seeing this group of young men, it gives me hope for the future of America. Finally! Young men who are Crusaders!”
What Camp Participants Say
Contrary to what most think, there are young men today who do have a thirst for much more than sports, video games, or pleasure. In fact, comments from camp participants show the opposite:
“We must live for a higher ideal!” said Phillip Tooley from North Carolina.
When asked about his favorite talk, Steven Simpson from Louisiana responded, “I loved the talk on purity. This talk renews a fighting spirit that dulls down over time.”
Commenting on the French Revolution another young teen said, “If I was alive during the French Revolution, I would have died to defend my faith!”
Finally, young Matthew Johnson stated, “I love the order and the principles the TFP stands for. It is a strong rock in a turbulent river for me.”
Love for Higher Ideals: A Common Thread Throughout the Camp
Startled by the sound of planes flying, sirens blaring and fireworks going off, a French paratrooper entered the scene dragging his parachute.
Assuring the boys all was well, the “paratrooper” pulled out a piece of paper with a prayer on it. The prayer was originally found on the body of a French Paratrooper, Andre Zirnheld, who was killed in World War II on June 27 1942. The prayer reads as follows:
La Prière du Para
Donnez-moi, mon Dieu, ce qui vous reste
Donnez-moi ce qu’on ne vous demande jamais.
Je ne vous demande pas le repos
Ni la tranquillité
Ni celle de l’âme, ni celle du corps.
Je ne vous demande pas la richesse
Ni le succès, ni même la santé.
Tout ça, mon Dieu, on vous le demande tellement
Que vous ne devez plus en avoir.
Donnez-moi, mon Dieu, ce qui vous reste
Donnez-moi ce que l’on vous refuse.
Je veux l’insécurité et l’inquiétude.
Je veux la tourmente et la bagarre
Et que vous me les donniez, mon Dieu, définitivement.
Que je sois sûr de les avoir toujours
Car je n’aurai pas toujours le courage
De vous les demander.
Donnez-moi, mon Dieu, ce qui vous reste.
Donnez-moi ce don’t les autres ne veulent pas.
Mais donnez-moi aussi le courage
Et la force et la foi.
The Paratrooper’s Prayer
Give me, my God, what is left Thee,
Give me that which no one asks of Thee.
I do not ask Thee for rest,
Nor for tranquility,
Neither of soul or body.
I do not ask Thee for riches,
Nor for success, nor for health.
So many ask Thee for these, my God,
That none must be left Thee.
Give me, My God, what is left Thee,
Give me what the others refuse.
I want risk and anguish;
I want fight and pain.
And give me these, my God, once and for all.
Give me the certainty that these will always be my portion,
For I will not always have the courage
To ask them of Thee.
Give me, My God, what is left Thee.
Give me what others do not want.
But also give me courage,
Strength, and Faith.
Coming to a close, the camp ended with the customary Medieval Banquet. Towards the end, unexpected guests arrived: Cyrano de Bergerac, an 17th century cavalier who duels his worldly and hateful foe in a fight over incompatible ideals. As Cyrano defeated his adversary in a thrilling fencing match, the boys began to cheer.
Both the paratrooper and Cyrano embody the spirit of the boys at the camp: a love for higher ideals.
While so many teenagers today choose to live a life devoid of higher aspirations, the 2015 Call to Chivalry camp provided an atmosphere of virtue and camaraderie, which deeply appealed to the participants.
May Our Lady Queen of Crusaders continue to give graces to these young men to persevere in their love for noble Catholic ideals.
As seen on TFP Student Action