By Cesar Franco
“Prayer, Study, Action.” This trilogy summed up the TFP Student Action Men’s Conference that took place from Dec 28 – Jan 2 at the headquarters of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property, in Spring Grove, Penn. I was happy to be part of a group of TFP-LA members and friends from Texas and Louisiana attending the five-day event. Other participants came from Florida, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. There were workshops on how to debate and how to mount an effective protest rally. Lecture titles ranged from “Abortion, Same-sex ‘Marriage’ and Transgenderism: Anti-Sacraments of the Revolution” to “The Dangers of Technology.”
Highlights included New Year’s Eve prayers. All gathered in the chapel and crossed into the year of Our Lord 2019 singing the Credo, affirming the truths of our Catholic Faith. The Confiteor and the Magnificat were chanted among other prayers.
This was followed by a New Year’s snack where all gathered for Christmas cheer and conversation. Carols were sung around the Christmas tree. One TFP member brought a dulcimer; another brought a recorder – these instruments added to the chorus of manly voices singing to honor the Baby Jesus. The Christmas spirit was very palpable.
Fighting Back Against Drag Queen Story Hour
Another highlight was the rally in defense of God’s marriage between one man and one woman on New Year’s Day. Forty-three men gathered on the public sidewalk at the Colonial Commons in Harrisburg, Penn. Bagpipes, TFP standards, drums, signs, banners, and the American flag formed quite a spectacle for the thousands driving by. Participating in this legal, peaceful, and very public witness to the truth of marriage was a great way to begin the New Year.
Finally, the conference concluded with a sumptuous banquet in the evening of New Year’s Day. Venison with cranberry sauce, pork loin, mashed potatoes covered in a feta cheese and mushroom sauce and green beans were consumed with gusto. This was topped off with a lemon mousse which was simply mouth-watering. The level of conversation was very good and was characterized by seriousness, vivacity, and depth.
American TFP director Preston Noell gave the closing speech. In it, he recalled a metaphor given by TFP founder Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. It referred to the plight of Our Lady in these sad and chaotic times in which She is treated like a dethroned Queen surrounded by enemies. She looks around the Throne Room for faithful servants who will rush to Her defense. We are all called to the defense of Our Lady.
The conference ended on this note. Participants said goodbye to new friends and brothers in the cause. All wished each other well and each in the depth of his soul certainly returned ready to face the struggles and pursue the goals of the New Year. Some conference participants departed that night, while others, including the TFP-LA group, left the following morning after breakfast.