Olcmeleblog
Friend and blogger Dave Hartline has written an excellent followup to his previous report on last year’s disruption by "street preachers" of the Assumption procession at the National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation. This shrine has a special place in my heart, so it upsets me to see these individuals pull their antics during a very holy time. Hartline interviews the shrine’s pastor, Fr. John-Raphael Hadnagy, OFM Conv. Father is a wonderful and holy man with a gift of healing. He can certainly bring love and kindness out of any situation, no matter how bad. Still, let us pray that this year, the pilgrims, many of whom have known the suffering that comes from being a Christian in the Middle East, can celebrate in peace and not be bothered by bullying.

Here is the background on last year’s mêlée

Image of Our Lady of Consolation by Jonathan Bennett