The 2026 National Conference of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) took place at its National Headquarters in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, on October 23-25.
As is the tradition at the end of these gatherings, Prince Bertrand of Orleans-Breganza delivered the closing remarks. Prince Bertrand is a distinguished member of Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira Institute, a TFP sister organization in São Paulo, Brazil. The outspoken Catholic is also the present heir to the imperial throne of Brazil.
Reverend Fathers, TFP directors and members, TFP friends and supporters, ladies and gentlemen:
As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we have looked at this nation’s accomplishments, defects and high calling. We have heard excellent talks about how the Revolution has attacked this country, and how we should respond as Counter-Revolutionaries. We have heard many commentaries based on the thought of Dr. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. We have also review the activies of the American TFP.
All these topics are very important, but I would like to speak about something different. It is closely related—I would say inseparable—from these things already mentioned.
The question I would like to ask you today is this:
“What would Dr. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira expect from you as American TFP supporters in face of the Fatima Chastisement?”
This question is direct and to the point. It is a very American question. Whenever there is a problem, Americans want solutions!
As we close this conference, we have already taken the indispensable step of looking at the principles that might help us solve our problems. Now is the time to put those principles into practice.
And this is where the American soul shines! You have a very direct way of looking at and doing things, and this is an admirable quality.
And so I have no fear in presenting you with three very direct and practical considerations on what Dr. Plinio would desire to see in the American TFP’s supporters as the Fatima Chastisement arrives.
The first quality you should strive for is operative wisdom. Operative wisdom consists of applying Counter-Revolutionary principles to the concrete circumstances. It differs from wisdom in general, which is more theoretical.
Many prophecies foretell what can be expected from the chastisement of Fatima. We will see chaos, confusion, and even demonic forces set loose upon the world.
During these apocalyptic times, the virtue of wisdom will be our guiding light. It will allow us to see the big picture, the causes of the chaos and the light of Our Lady’s actions.
However, operative wisdom will give us the ability to apply that knowledge to what is happening.
Allow me to give you a metaphor that explains this distinction.
Consider, for example, a doctor treating a sick patient. He knows that a fever is not the cause of the illness. It is a symptom.
He realizes that his duty is to diagnose the underlying infection. This is wisdom. He then prescribes the proper treatment based on his diagnosis. This is operative wisdom.
The result is the patient’s cure.
Thus, if you cultivate operative wisdom, if you constantly look for ways to apply the principles of Revolution and Counter-Revolution, you will be equipped to deal with the Fatima chastisement. You will see beyond the immediate events and recognize their deeper causes. You will then be ready to act with calm, courage and confidence.
So I ask each of you here not only to reflect on the roots of our crisis, but also to think about concrete, practical solutions. This applies to both the present and the future. This is what Dr. Plinio expects of you.
The second characteristic an American supporter should have is seriousness.
Hollywood tells us that every movie has a happy ending and life is just one big movie. This mentality tempts people to put their worries aside, because they think everything will work itself out.
This attitude is wrong. It does not reflect reality.
The talks at this year’s conference have addressed the sins of our days, many of which surpass those of Sodom and Gomorrah. And we are all familiar with the punishments those cities faced.
So I cannot promise you a Hollywoodian happy ending. But I can promise you one thing. If you are serious, that is to say, you take things to the final consequences, face adversity and embrace suffering, you will be equipped to deal with these difficult times. That is guaranteed.
By practicing the virtue of seriousness, we will not have illusions about what we are up against. Seriousness will help us avoid the pitfalls of both foolish optimism and paralyzing despair.
Yes, it is true that things will be hard—but it is also true that Our Lady has promised a magnificent triumph for those who persevere in the fight for her cause.
This triumph will not be effortless or handed to us on a silver platter. It will require perseverance and confidence. But it will come.
So together with operative wisdom, let us ask Our Lady for the virtue of seriousness.
Now I will mention a final thing Dr. Plinio would desire to see in the American TFP supporters as we prepare for the Chastisement.
You must have recourse to Heaven.
No matter how many steps we take to prepare, how strong our willpower is, how determined we are…
If we do not ask for divine assistance, we simply will not make it.
Dr. Plinio once said that “during the Chastisement, the justice of God and the weight of suffering will be so immense that if we do not know how to pray, we will not resist.”
So my last counsel for you today is to pray. Pray for wisdom. Pray for seriousness. Pray for help.
We must do this incessantly. Our Lord, Our Lady, the angels, and the saints are all waiting to help us. “Ask, and you shall receive.”
Let us therefore go forward with confidence, burning zeal, and unshakable perseverance.
Thus, on this 250th anniversary of the United States, rather than looking back upon the past, I invite you to look forward to the battles that lie ahead.
We do not know everything that awaits us. We do not know what trials we will be forced to endure. We do not know what sacrifices Providence will ask of us. All of this remains to be seen.
But there is one thing we do know:
No matter how dark the days ahead may appear, if we possess wisdom, seriousness and confidence in God, we will persevere! Our Lady with triumph!
First Published on TFP.org