Rorate Caeli

You Report: Catholic Identity Conference in WV


From our friends at the Knights of Columbus, Woodlawn Council 2161, Traditional Latin Mass Guild: 

The Catholic Identity Conference 2012 was held in Weirton, West Virginia, September 28-30. The Conference brought together speakers from various aspects of the Catholic traditionalist movement and opened with a reception on Friday evening at which those attending had an opportunity to meet the speakers in an informal setting. On Saturday morning, Fr. Gregory Pendergraft, FSSP, offered a low mass for the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel at St. Joseph Church in Weirton. Following mass, the following speakers addressed the conference: Michael Matt, editor of The Remnant; John Vennari, editor of Catholic Family News; Christopher Ferrara, president of the American Catholic Lawyers Association; Dr. John Rao, director of the Roman Forum; and James Vogel, editor of The Angelus. Each spoke regarding the essence of Catholic identity during the reign of Pope Benedict XVI.  

During the Saturday evening dinner, Christ Schulte made a presentation regarding the traditional Knights of Columbus initiative and Fr. Pendergraft addressed the gathering. People traveled from as far as California, Texas, and Florida to attend the conference. On Sunday morning, Fr. Pendergraft offered a Missa Cantata at Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Weirton. It was the first traditional mass ever offered in that church, which was dedicated in 1967, after changes to the mass had already been implemented. A small schola of students from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, did a magnificent job of singing for the mass.