Washington, D.C., was a ghost town. The streets are usually buzzing with tourists at this time of the year. Now they were almost empty. Only passing cars, joggers and other pedestrians walked down unkempt sidewalks. The silent scene of vacant streets and neoclassical structures suggested images of Rome abandoned after a barbarian invasion. The ghosts of the recent riots lay heavily upon the city.
In this setting, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property (TFP) held a July 20 Rosary Rally as part of its “Mary, Mother of Mercy, Restore America” campaign. Raymond Drake, president of the American TFP, stood before the U.S. Capitol Building and stated the rosary intentions. He said that the campaign’s goal is to beseech God, from all the state capitals of America, for the graces of calm, courage, and confidence. Launched at the start of the summer, this prayer crusade is a response to the agitation, fear and chaos gripping America.
The Sad State of the Nation
Americans have long been taught to take on any obstacles and eventually overcome them through sheer grit and willpower. This upbringing is tainted with the over-optimistic spirit of Hollywood, which predicts a happy end to every predicament. This rosy picture of life contrasts with the browning lawns and empty paths surrounding the Capitol Building.
Some problems cannot be solved by grit alone. A higher power must be invoked. Thus, the “trial run” of socialism in the form of draconian lockdowns proved overwhelming. Then the Black Lives Matters riots devastated the country with their calls to overturn order, abolish the police, and overthrow remnants of Christian civilization.
The Spiritual Battle to Restore America
All over the nation, statues and historical monuments to old America were defaced and torn down, sparing neither saint nor missionary. Statues of Saint Junipero Serra, for example, were condemned for what they represent: a beautiful reminder of Christian civilization.
In light of recent events, rally attendants prayed around a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, whose message to the three shepherd children in 1917, foretold times of great trial and persecution should humanity not repent and change its ways.
Warning! A Virus Threatens America’s Future and Christian Civilization
Behind the rally rose the dome of the United States Capitol, where lawmakers seek to solve every problem. However, human genius is limited, especially when the nation is sick and needs a spiritual remedy. Unless lawmakers include God as part of the solution, their attempts at reform will be shallow and vain. Like the Prodigal Son, America must return to God with sorrow, contrition and repentance.
The Confidence to Fight On
Despite the devastating atmosphere, passersby were impressed by the scene of Catholics praying for the nation. One man passed in front of the rally, turned toward the statue of Our Lady and made a profound bow while saying a short prayer.
The statue that presided over the event is known as the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. It was carved in 1947 under the direction of Sister Lucy, one of the Fatima seers. In 1972, the statue miraculously wept human tears in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event sent a powerful message to the inhabitants of the city and the world, leading more souls to grow in their understanding of the Fatima message and the urgent need for conversion.
To Pray and Act for a Catholic America
A Milanese lady was ecstatic by the opportunity to attend the rally. Another lady represented Canada. Both come from countries under socialist influence. A Vietnamese participant thanked the TFP members for the campaign. “I fled Vietnam because of these dangers,” he told them. “If they take over here, where will we go? We are cornered and have nowhere to go. We have to fight!”
The solutions must come from a higher power. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Luke 12:31) The answers to the current crises come from Our Lord Himself. He promises everything to those who pursue the principles of a Christian civilization to bring God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in Heaven.”
The Rosary Rallies are an important step to steer the nation to the right course. America needs divine intercession so that the country can overcome every obstacle, trusting that the Blessed Mother shall crush the head of Satan (Gen. 3:15). May Our Lady of Fatima grant these graces for America and the world so that her prophecy may soon be fulfilled: The triumph and reign of her Immaculate Heart.
