Defend Religious Freedom Rally

The Defend Religious Freedom rally in Naples, FL was inspiring today.  We had the largest turnout in the nation, around 3,000 people!  Remember, it's full-blown summer here in southwest Florida.  When we arrived at the rally, we saw Bishop Frank Dewane from the Diocese of Venice wandering through the crowds meeting all those in his jurisdiction.  Such a gracious man making sure he shook every outstretched hand in the crowd and stopped for every photo. (Below: Jenna Wells, Bishop Dewane, and me).  

My own parish priest, Fr. Stan Dombrowski (white shirt and collar), enjoying the spirit of the crowd:

My dear friends Karen and Stan Wells with daughter Jenna who let me tag along today!

Dr. Angela Flippin-Trainer, an OB/GYN in Naples, FL is a pro-life physician.  She made the following comment which sums up Obamacare: "Obamacare is a government jobs program for Planned Parenthood." (Photo by Damian Hanley)

A young woman representing the youth of southwest Florida (Photo by Damian Hanley):

The first reading today (2 Timothy 3: 10-17) demonstrates the need for rallies like today. We must become knowledgable to defend our faith:

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Serving in Clarity, her point in this quote reflects why rallies like today are desperately needed:

“In this period of history, as in every period, there exist many realities which call for change. Human beings must always seek to perfect their behavior toward each other and this continuing process of improving man’s condition is positive and necessary and, I believe, blessed and ordained by God. This stated, I believe that certain current attempts to improve mankind have spiraled into a widespread spirit of disobedience.”

Seeing thousands of committed Americans of all faiths band together today was astonishing.  Because religious freedom isn't just a Catholic thing.  It affects all those who value their faith. I will end today with pictures from the rally, thankful to have been a part of it.

Thank you, Lord, for inspiring me to stand up and defend my religious freedom! Please lead those who are luke warm in their faith to view the current condition of our country with Your eyes and stand beside their brothers and sisters in Christ.

God bless,

Bonnie