On the day after the January 22 March for Life in the nation’s capital, the TFP held a special reception at its McLean, Va. center for local friends and supporters as well as for foreign pro-life delegations who came to attend the march. The event featured four speakers who honored Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira and two recently deceased Americans with special ties with Prof. Corrêa de Oliveira and the TFP.
Among the organizations represented were Droit de Naître (Right to Be Born) from France, Aktion SOS LEBEN (Action SOS Life) from Germany, and Voglio Vivere (I Want to Live) from Italy. The principal figure honored was Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira on the occasion of the centennial of his birth. Also honored were the late Col. John W. Ripley, American war hero, and conservative activist Paul Weyrich.
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Roberto de Mattei, Professor of Modern History at the Italy’s University of Cassino, was the first to speak about Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. He delivered a brilliant commentary showing how Prof. Corrêa de Oliveira was a true man for all seasons. In a review of Church history, the illustrious historian showed how Prof. Corrêa de Oliveira would have wanted to be present during all the major struggles, which the Church has endured over the centuries.
American TFP vice president John Horvat also delivered comments on Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. He spoke of how the Brazilian TFP founder was especially effective because he knew to synthesize his thought and find unifying principles on which to base his action.
TFP member Norman Fulkerson spoke on the late Col. John Ripley. As a personal friend of this outstanding Marine, he recounted his heroic feats both on the battlefield and off. He especially highlighted his highly politically incorrect stands against women in combat and homosexuals in the military. Athouogh he never met Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira, Col. Ripley admired him and his work.
Finally, Mr. Mario Navarro da Costa, director of the TFP Washington Bureau, offered a tribute to the great conservative leader Paul M. Weyrich. He spoke on Mr. Weyrich’s essential role in building the conservative movement and his special relationship with the TFP.
The program ended with its characteristic lively conversation and Catholic conviviality.