The day after the 40th annual March for Life, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) held a special event at its Washington Bureau to introduce its new book on the economic crisis and Christian organic solutions.
With standing room only, guests crowded the small auditorium for the event. The American TFP was pleased to welcome foreign delegations that had participated in the March for Life. Among them were Duke Paul of Oldenburg, Miss Virginia Coda Nunziante from Rome as well as delegates from the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and Lithuania. Students from the TFP-run St. Louis de Montfort Academy served refreshments while members of the American TFP conversed at length with the diverse group gathered numbering more than 120.
Mr. Mario Navarro da Costa, director of the TFP’s Washington Bureau, welcomed everyone and recognized the different delegations represented. He then introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. John Horvat II, Vice-President of the American TFP and author of the much anticipated book: Return to Order: From A Frenzied Economy to An Organic Christian Society – Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here, and Where We Need to Go.
Mr. Horvat compared the launching of the book to the christening of a battleship, in that it is the culmination of many years of work, and also the beginning of a great undertaking where the ideas presented will enter the bruising and grueling battle of the modern socioeconomic crisis. He then added that the book comes at a time of great soul-searching for America and for conservative America in particular. As the storm rages, the principles expounded upon in Return to Order will serve as a lighthouse so that we, as a nation, will be able to find safe harbor allowing us to establish the order so desperately needed.
He went on to explain what sets Return to Order apart from other books that deal with the topic of the present economic crisis. He explained how the expression “frenetic intemperance” was coined and how it describes an economy that resists all restraints and gratifies all desires. In conclusion, he demonstrated that the present economic quandary has been caused by a moral crisis deep within the soul of modern man.
After a brilliant analysis of the problem, Mr. Horvat proposed an organic Christian society as the solution to the present crisis. He insisted that the Church, family and society were the firm foundation for the practice of the virtues needed to restore order, which resonated well with the audience. In his final remarks, he poignantly stated that America is worth fighting for and the timeless principles in Return to Order could be likened to a fully armed battleship entering the fierce battles ahead. To this, the audience gave an enthusiastic standing ovation.
A lively question and answer session followed and conversations lingered long into the 
evening. Mr. Horvat remained to sign books and guests eagerly purchased copies and further discussed the many topics addressed.
With the economic and moral crises in America worsening, the need for a Return to Order is more necessary than ever. Like the Prodigal Son spoken of by Our Lord in the Gospel, let us as a nation realize we have erred and make the decision to return to Our Father’s house. Once there, we can discern God’s marvelous plan for America and build an organic Christian society where all is oriented toward the good, the true and the beautiful.
