On Friday afternoon, everyone began to arrive on a lovely autumn day at the American TFP’s headquarters in rural Pennsylvania. It was the perfect setting for the 2022 TFP National Conference, held on October 28-30 by the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP). Participants came from around the country to experience the joy of being together and discussing counter-Revolutionary topics and actions.
This year’s theme was “The Failure of a Society in Crisis Calls for Return-to-Order Solutions.” Speakers discussed how the left has been unable to win the hearts and souls of many Americans leading to the polarization of the nation. This failure makes the left vulnerable and opens the way for the Catholic solutions outlined in the TFP’s book, Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society—Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here, and Where We Need to Go.
The Christendom-themed ambiance created the conditions for a grace-filled weekend. There was also a note of great unity and joy that comes from those who are of like mind. Many made great sacrifices to be present, a fact that kept the Cross of Christ ever-present.
These conditions resulted in incredible unity and determination to fight for a Christian civilization. The event was filled to capacity with young and old, representing Catholics from all walks of life. A special guest of honor was Prince Bertrand of Orleans-Braganza, head of the Imperial House of Brazil and direct descendant of Saint Louis IX, king of France.
Analyzing the Revolutionary Crisis
No TFP analysis of the present-day crisis is complete without references to the book Revolution and Counter-Revolution by Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. The event also served as a platform for launching the first official English translation of the book, Two Timely Themes: The New Mass and the Possibility of a Heretic Pope by Dr. Arnaldo Xavier da Silveira.
The first presentations centered on the crisis in the Church and society. French TFP senior member José Antonio Ureta presented two talks on the tragic passion of the Church through the deplorable positions of progressive Catholics and clergy. Nelson Ribeiro Fragelli discussed the Cultural Revolution in America, while TFP Washington Bureau representative James Bascom spoke about false solutions now being proposed in the face of the crisis.
These talks were followed by a special report on the American TFP’s activities over the past year. It was not just a summary of what TFP members were doing, but above all, the rallies, protests and other activities of TFP supporters who project a counter-Revolutionary legend wherever they go. Especially highlighted were the 21,544 Public Square Rosary Rallies held on October 15.
Emphasis on Christendom and Beauty
The second set of talks dealt with Return-to-Order solutions. Return to Order author John Horvat spoke about Christendom and organic society. The TFP’s central Florida director Norman Fulkerson called upon the audience to be representative characters by serving as role models, legends and symbols for those around them.
This year’s conference highlighted the role of beauty in changing hearts and minds. The conference itself was enveloped in beauty. From the changing fall colors glowing in the sun to the flowers and decorations of the large tent that served as the banquet hall. Everything seemed to enthrall the participants with the marvels of God’s creation. A special candlelight rosary procession added mystery and wonder, only interrupted by spectacular fireworks at the end.
The American TFP’s Southern California director Michael Whitcraft elaborated on the theme of beauty by making an “appeal to the sublime” as an antidote to today’s brutal and vulgar culture. Italian TFP president Julio Loredo gave a zoom conference about an appeal to the angels to level the playing field against those opposing the Catholic cause.
A Final Appeal to Confidence and Our Lady
An “angelic” Sunday High Mass at a nearby church was full of pomp and ceremony that ended in a triumphal rendition of the papal hymn. However, even the Mass was not without its recognition of the tragic times. Before the Mass, Prince Bertrand prayed especially for the Brazilian presidential runoff election, asking Our Lady of Aparecida, patroness of Brazil, to protect the world’s largest Catholic country from the scourge of communism.
It seemed the time passed too quickly. The closing medieval banquet was the culminating point of the conviviality that encouraged so many to continue their counter-Revolutionary actions.
Prince Bertrand delivered the final remarks with a message of confidence and devotion to Our Lady.
“She can overcome all enemies,” he concluded. “She can turn the most desperate situations into victory. She will turn our present chaos into the triumph of her Immaculate Heart as promised at Fatima.”