But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you (1 Peter 3:15).

There is a growing tendency today among traditional Catholics, who had long fought in the trenches against modernism and its varied manifestations, to retreat into a bitter reclusiveness. It is a heavy attitude of heart, leaning more towards despair than hope. This corrosive malady of spirit afflicts those who are suffering from battle fatigue, which state seems to oppress them more than any cross they carried while in actual combat.

Loyal Catholics need not only the virtue of fortitude in these trying times, but we also need perseverance. In addition to habitual prayer, one of the best ways to maintain our steadfastness in the Faith is to grow continually in our knowledge of the Faith. This past conference presented a great opportunity to grow in the Faith, both in our knowledge of it and in our zeal to spread it. Without this knowledge we will not be effective in satisfying those who "ask a reason of that hope which is in [us]".

There were thirteen talks stretched out over a four-day schedule. These deliveries covered a wide range of Catholic themes. There was a presentation from Cardinal Kung’s nephew about the persecution of the Church in China; there was theology, Church history, Marian exegesis, and inspirational exhortation; there was a study of the culture war against Catholic ethics in medicine; there was a presentation about Catholic just war teaching and its relation to true manhood; there were intimate reflections on the history and value of the “vow,” the meaning of true friendship in the thought of St. Augustine, and how the Catholic family can be a garden for vocations. Keeping to the theme of “Catholic Family and Friends: Christening Society,” the speakers approached the subject from multiple angles, each of which contributed to provide a foundation and pattern for that Christian society we all hope will someday be realized.

We know how difficult it is to put aside the money and time to attend our conferences in person; however, by purchasing the tapes or CDs you can count yourself a part of the experience. You may have missed the social benefits of the convention, but don't miss out on the educational, which is far more important.

The recordings are all excellent quality reproductions. They would make a valuable gift for an interested neighbor, priest, religious, friend, or relative.

Leadership Workshop:

Br. André Marie, M.I.C.M.
Crusader Update: Some of the Latest News on Where We are Going and What We are Doing CD, MP3 

Br. Lawrence Mary, M.I.C.M., Tert.
Third Order Members, Their Families and Vocations CD, MP3

Dr. Patrick Flanagan
Physician, Heal Thyself. The Culture War in Medicine CD, MP3

Annual Conference:

Mr. Gary Potter
The Adventure of Discipleship CD, MP3

Dr. Robert Hickson
The Vow and the Catholic Family: Implications of an Irreversible Promise CD, MP3

Mr. Joseph Kung
The Persecuted Catholic Church in China CD, MP3 

Rev. Lawrence Smith
Causa Nostrae Laetitiae: Our Blessed Mother as the Model of Joy in the Catholic Home CD, MP3 

Mr. John Sharpe
War, Vir, and Virtue: Repairing the Breach Between Manhood, Power, and Justice in the Waging of Modern War CD, MP3 

Rev. Nicholas Gruner, S.T.L., S.T.D
Our Lady of Fatima’s Mission for Every Family CD, MP3 

Mr. C. Joseph Doyle
The Neo-Pagan Assault on Gender and the Traditional Family CD, MP3 

Br. André Marie, M.I.C.M. Friends Forever: St. Augustine, Friendship, and Catholic Evangelism CD, MP3

Mr. Brian Kelly
The Tradition Mass as a Pattern of Society CD, MP3

Sr. Marie Thérèse, M.I.C.M., Ph.D.
The Catholic Family: A Garden of Vocations CD, MP3