- “A politician who would kill a babe in the womb is capable of anything.” Webmaster
Welcome to Festival For Freedom
“Festival for Freedom” originally was a 14-day gathering in June / July 2012 to focus on our First Amendment rights being violated by the Federal HHS mandate’s forcing insurance coverage for contraception, abortifacients and sterilization. That “Fortnight” was called by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to oppose these intrinsic evils attacking both conscience and religious freedom.
Our successful FESTIVAL FOR FREEDOM, attended by over 500 people, heard many nationwide expert speakers teaching on American and Religious principles. We have continued to meet, track news and encourage each other in ongoing vigilance to protect our God-given rights, and the country’s moral fiber. We have added advocacy to our charter: “Protect the unborn, Defend marriage and Safeguard religious liberty.” We will continue to speak and work against intrinsic evils in our country’s laws. We thank those who regularly visit this website and support our goals.
From the Barricades: NEWS from the Festival Site
Created on 28 June 2012
As many of our readers can imagine, there was a sigh of disappointment this morning when the Supreme Court announced its decision, just as our first speaker (Loretta Fleming regarding a Human Life Amendment) was about to begin. We stopped for a few minutes to be sure we understood the announcement, and then we prayed the Reflection of Archbishop Oscar Romero, which we share with you for your prayer as well.
Archbishop Oscar Romero, Assassinated in San Salvador
Martyred on March 24, 1980 in San Salvador, while saying Mass, Archbishop Romero had spoken out for all those suffering oppression, at a great risk to himself. He had completed a radio address the day before, exhorting the people to follow their consciences rather than “orders.” He knew the risk but said “I am bound as a pastor by divine command, to give my life for those whom I love…” He died as he lived. But he left us a meditation which is very helpful whenever we think something depends only on us, or that we have the only vision, or that our contribution really doesn’t matter. It is an inspiring way to look at the work God gives us to do.
Meditation of Archbishop Oscar Romero
It helps, now and then, to step back and take the long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction
Of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.
Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying
That the kingdom of God always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the Church’s mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about.
We plant seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted,
Knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our abilities.
We cannot do everything,
And realizing that gives us a sense of liberation.
This enables us to do something and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
An opportunity for God’s grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results,
But that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders,
Ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.
Amen.
