Brad:
Why can’t you do your own demonstration? Why do you have to piggyback along with those that support violence under the guise of promoting peace? Does that make any sense, let alone correspond to the teachings of the Church and Christ?
You can comfortably cooperate with those that radically oppose the Church and the Gospel and radically oppose life and the weakest of society? . . .]
Don’t bring the Blessed Mother into support of a cause that supports killing babies and supports terrorists. Please.
This objection was answered by Blessed Pope John XXIII in the following key sections of his encyclical *Pacem in terris * (“Peace on Earth”):
"***Relations Between Catholics and Non-Catholics in Social and Economic Affairs
"157. The principles We have set out in this document take their rise from the very nature of things. They derive, for the most part, from the consideration of man’s natural rights. Thus the putting of these principles into effect frequently involves extensive co-operation between Catholics and those Christians who are separated from this Apostolic See. It even involves the cooperation of Catholics with people who may not be Christians but who nevertheless are reasonable people, and people of natural moral integrity. ‘In such circumstances they must, of course, bear themselves as Catholics, and do nothing to compromise religion and morality. Yet at the same time they should show themselves animated by a spirit of understanding and unselfishness, ready to co-operate loyally in achieving objects which are good in themselves, or conducive to good.’
"Error and the Errant
"158. It is always perfectly justifiable to distinguish between error as such and the person who falls into error–even in the case of those who err regarding the truth or are led astray as a result of their inadequate knowledge, in matters either of religion or of the highest ethical standards. Someone who has fallen into error does not cease to be a human being. He or she never forfeits personal dignity; and that is something that must always be taken into account. Besides, there exists in man’s very nature an undying capacity to break through the barriers of error and seek the road to truth. God, in His great providence, is ever present with His aid. Today, maybe, someone lacks faith and turns aside into error; tomorrow, perhaps, illumined by God’s light, he or she may indeed embrace the truth.
"Catholics who, in order to achieve some external good, collaborate with unbelievers or with those who through error lack the fullness of faith in Christ, may possibly provide the occasion or even the incentive for their conversion to the truth.
"Philosophies and Historical Movements
"l59. Again it is perfectly legitimate to make a clear distinction between a false philosophy of the nature, origin and purpose of human beings and the world, and economic, social, cultural, and political undertakings, even when such undertakings draw their origin and inspiration from that philosophy. True, the philosophic formula does not change once it has been set down in precise terms, but the undertakings clearly cannot avoid being influenced to a certain extent by the changing conditions in which they have to operate. Besides, who can deny the possible existence of good and commendable elements in these undertakings, elements which do indeed conform to the dictates of right reason, and are an expression of man’s lawful aspirations?
"160. It may sometimes happen, therefore, that meetings arranged for some practical end–though hitherto they were thought to be altogether useless–may in fact be fruitful at the present time, or at least offer prospects of success. But whether or not the moment for such cooperation has arrived, and the manner and degree of such co-operation in the attainment of economic, social, cultural and political advantages–these are matters for prudence to decide; prudence, the queen of all the virtues which rule the lives of human beings both as individuals and in society.
“As far as Catholics are concerned, the decision rests primarily with those who take a leading part in the life of the community, and in these specific fields. They must, however, act in accordance with the principles of the natural law, and observe the Church’s social teaching and the directives of ecclesiastical authority. For it must not be forgotten that the Church has the right and duty not only to safeguard her teaching on faith and morals, but also to exercise her authority over her sons and daughters by intervening in their external affairs whenever a judgment has to be made concerning the practical application of this teaching.” ***
As for the Blessed Mother, it’s impossible to exclude her from the peace movement, because she is the Queen of Peace, and because peace is one of the themes of the message of Fatima.
Keep and spread the Faith.
Stalin was arguably right behind Hitler as worst leader ever and he was an American ally.
I know they are comforted to die for others so you and yours might live to pass on false peace and malice another day, to another generation of anti-war protestors.