From the Editor’s Desk…

By Michael J. Matt

Catholic Identity Conference 2017: A Major Victory for Tradition

The 2017 Catholic Identity Conference (CIC) concluded on the Feast of Christ the King. This was not intentional.

The dates were selected by my friend and CIC organizer, Eric Frankovitch, last year and in accordance with hotel availability. It was, in other words, a "coincidence." But there’s no such thing as coincidence and, given the CIC’s strong emphasis on the Kingship of Christ, I’m disposed to conclude that this most fortuitous closing feast day was absolutely providential.

Good things happened at this year’s CIC—many good things!

The Conference was not only a huge success numerically speaking—with standing room only and nearly triple the attendance of last year—but it was, by all accounts, a source of hope and inspiration for all in attendance, including all of us here at The Remnant.

Indeed, the positive side of the so-called ‘Francis Effect’ was made evident immediately, as traditional Catholics from many different camps came together for a 3-day event in order to see if a more unified front against the enemies of holy Tradition could be established.

To that end, the CIC was blessed with the presence of two bishops and over 30 priests from the Society of St. Pius X, the Fraternity of St. Peter, the Institute of Christ the King and many dioceses all over the country, with well over 300 plus participants traveling from as far as Guam, Vietnam, Australia and Argentina.

~ See Editor's Desk/ Page 2

Continued...

Speakers included most of The Remnant stable, strong allies in the holy priesthood (such as our old friend and Remnant Tours chaplain, Father Gregory Pendergraft, FSSP), Father Jonathan Loop (SSPX), Canon Aaron Huberfeld and Father Celatus (via video sermon). Vatican journalist, Edward Pentin’s sobering expose of life in Rome under Pope Francis gave way to a minute-long standing ovation, while Bishops Athanasius Schneider and Anthony Spinosa rounded out the roster with spectacular words from shepherds encouraging sheep to keep the faith even during the worst crisis in history.

Bishop Athanasius Schneider’s opening address Friday night beautifully confirmed why so many of us believe this holy bishop—a survivor of the Soviet gulag and an outspoken defender of the Traditional Latin Mass and the Kingship of Christ—is in many ways this generation’s Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. His Excellency’s words brought tears to the eyes of not a few in attendance (including this writer) as he set the tone for one of the most hopeful and yet militantly Catholic conferences I’ve ever attended. So many friends, so many allies, so many brothers in arms— coming together for one reason: to promise to keep the old Faith regardless of the most destructive pontificate in the history of the Church.

A few moments were also set aside to remember our fallen friend and ally, the incomparable John Vennari. I think he appreciated when the entire gathering took to their feet to pray a Hail Mary for the repose of his soul.

A highpoint of the conference certainly had to be when all the priests, bishops and sisters agreed to stand together for a photograph that now speaks to the spirit of this extraordinary event. Thirty priests, two bishops and a handful of sisters sent the message to the little remnant all around the world: God has not left us orphans, the old Faith will survive:

Next Year

We’ve begun making plans for next year’s CIC and, to that end, we’re asking for feedback from those who attended— feedback that we hope will help us make the CIC 2018 bigger and better than ever. Some of that feedback appears on Page 4 of this edition of The Remnant.

The Remnant's 50th Anniversary

This year’s CIC also set aside some time to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Remnant. We managed to locate some 40-year-old video footage of the early days of The Remnant, showing plenty of the pioneers of the movement in action. Walter Matt, Michael Davies, Hamish Fraser, Father Marchosky and many others, including priests offering the TLM in the basement (catacomb) chapel of my childhood home. The video brought back sobering memories, as it sparked lively conversation about who we are, where we came from and where we need to go. That fading and flickering video, as well as other moments from the CIC’s celebration of The Remnant’s 50th, are now available as part of the CIC On-Demand Video subscription.

CIC Video Available NOW

Speaking of the On-Demand CIC, I’m happy to announce that the CIC was served by a staff of young traditional Catholics this year, who offered so much hope for the future of this growing Catholic counterrevolution. Eric Frankovitch and I are not getting any younger, and it was encouraging for us to see the next generation step up to the plate in such an enthusiastic way at this conference.

With the assistance of my son, Walter, for example, the entire CIC was video recorded and set up as a Video Conference on the Internet. Within about one hour of the conclusion of each speaker’s talk, the Remnant TV team was able to edit it and make it available to subscribers all over the world.

In addition, my eldest daughter Cecelia, John Rao’s daughter, Olivia, Sophia Stuckey and our right-hand "man", Miss Tess Mullins, expertly ran the CIC registration and customer service throughout the weekend, leaving Eric Frankovitch, Todd Wilson and myself with no excuse not to announce that, God willing, the CIC will take place again next year.

How to Order Your CIC Video Subscription The entire CIC 2017 is available from The Remnant website. Printedition subscribers can go directly to RemnantNewspaper.com and sign up for the Catholic Identity Conference On-Demand in the upper left-hand corner of the homepage.

E-Edition subscribers can click the following link to subscribe: https:// remnantnewspaper.com/web/index.php/ membership/view-membership-details/1video-on-demand-catholic-identityconference- 2017 Any technical questions or problems can be directed to our team at: Support@RemnantNewspaper.com

On-Demand Proceeds to Support The Remnant All proceeds from the CIC On-Demand go directly to support The Remnant newspaper. So for a onetime fee of just $25, readers will have access to all of the CIC talks and at the same time, support The Remnant at a pivotal moment in the history of this apostolate.

Pope Francis has inadvertently ripped the mask off of the Revolution of Vatican II. The war for the soul of the old Faith, in other words, is out in the open now.

I hope you’ll sign up for the CIC On-Demand right away, and help The Remnant prepare for the next offensive, which is going to be big, God help us all.

Long Live Christ the King!