I received a post card from America Needs Fatima - they were trying to reach me by phone to let me know that the Statue of Our Lady will be in my city (not a known city) and I can have the statue in my home (which is a very small apartment). I never heard of anything like this. Is Father Gruner the head of America Needs Fatima or am I totally off base there. maryann

-- maryann (marypar22@hotmail.com), October 21, 2003

Answers

Jmj
Hello, maryann.

"America Needs Fatima" is referred to, by its sponsors, as a "project of the American TFP."

The American TFP is the "American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property" -- which is an ultra-conservative political organization that also concerns itself with religious matters that are usually associated with Catholicism. Although I have known about AFTP for more than 15 years (because of their extremely visible presence at the yearly January "March for Life" in Washington, D.C.), I have not been able to determine if the members are orthodox Catholics or schismatics or heretics.

They have a big Internet site, at which they describe themselves as follows:
The American TFP is a "civic organization of Catholic inspiration that seeks to defend in a legal and peaceful way, the basic values of Christian Civilization, namely tradition, family and property. The American TFP bases its action on the principles outlined in the book, 'Revolution and Counter-Revolution' by [Brazilian] Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. Its activities include lectures, youth and adult seminars, newspaper ad campaigns, books and publications, as well as national coordinated protests. In addition, the TFP brings issues directly to the public with its colorful street campaigns." [Note its Brazilian roots. There is (or was, in the 20th Century) a major ex-Catholic, schismatic movement in Brazil.]

I can tell you that a Google search fails to find a single reference to the name "Gruner" at the ATFP site, which is a good sign. The ATFP appears to be an organization for laity only -- or at least one that operates without any bishops as advisors (none being named at the site).

If you want to glance at a few pages at their site, I recommend these:
the first, the second, and the third.

I have seen "America Needs Fatima" literature in the back of my parish church (left without pastor's permission). I don't yet trust ATFP, so I would not get involved with their representatives nor send them money -- but you will have to make up your own mind about this.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), October 21, 2003.

I've visited the home of a friend who had a Pilgrim Virgin Statue in his home.

In fact,the statue did weep at his home, and is documented in a book...The title and author escape me at the moment, though I do have a copy here.

I think there would be no harm in having Our Blessed Mother's statue in your home. If the organization is asking for a large amount of money, etc., then I'd be suspicious.

Pax Christi. <><

-- Anna <>< (Flower@youknow.com), October 21, 2003.

Anna, I just wanted to say that people other than ATFP are authorized to take "Pilgrim Virgin" statues to private homes. I see nothing wrong with this, as long as the organization is reputable and orthodox, in union with the pope. I think that the "jury is still out" on ATFP.

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), October 21, 2003.

Greetings in the sacred Hearts: What can we call "ultra-conservative" and who determinates what is "ultra-conservative" and what is not? Regarding that organization, i can mention they come from Brazil, and they are also known as "Heraldos del Evangelio", if we have read L'osservatore Romano (hope we have!), we could also read the aprobation from that organization, even more, i have a picture from the pope blessing an image from the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady Of fatima. That does not mean all the organizations blessed by the popes are good enough; just see the controversy regarding "Opus Dei" and most recently "Legionaries of Christ" and many more! If U want to see a real negative position about that movements ask Rick Salvato!:

http://www.unitypublishing.com/NewReligiousMovements.html

By the way! that's not my position, however, we have to see both sides, no?

In Cordibus Jesu Et Mariae

A friend

-- a friend (never@mind.info), October 22, 2003.

The American TFP is a lay Catholic group that is entirely faithful to the Supreme Magisterium of the Church, and is in union with the Papacy. I had a Fatima visit in their home and they displayed several of their books for sale. I bought a few and all were completely in line with Church teaching. They recently published a book in defense of the Church against groups like Voice of the Faithful who want to implement democratic "reforms" in the Church. It has received praise from both Bishop Vasa of Baker, Oregon and Fr. Trigilio. Since they are so conservative, they have many enemies, especially from liberal Catholics and liberal clergy. The Internet is full of slanders and accusations against them, but no concrete proof of anything contrary to Church teaching. In this hellish world, I would immediately question any "conservative" group that DIDN'T have enemies.

-- James (jrbascom@hotmail.com), October 25, 2003.

I think that there is one mistake, that the ATFP and Heralds have no more to do with each other:as neighbors who live in the same area are related to the others. One is approved and the other..... isn't , one is welcomed by the local bishops and clegy and the other, well is always protesting something as civic group , I have nothing more to say

-- jon (jvb2k.@hotmail.com), January 03, 2004.