Conscience, Justice and Equality Tour a success

Fr. Roy's packed full week tour of Illinois (plus St. Louis) was a huge success!  At each stop, Fr. Roy spoke of his life's work speaking out against injustice. In just five days, Fr. Roy spoke at 11 events at college campuses, churches and pubs. Bob and Mike, who drove the over 1000 miles with Roy and helped arrange the tour, called it a huge success and said that people just can't help but be inspired when they meet him.

As founder of the SOA Watch, he has stood in solidarity with those affected by American imperialism and military intervention and rejoiced as Latin American countries have stood up and said no to the School of the America's.  He explained how work organizing against the SOA introduced him to many amazing women and made clear to him the sin of sexism in our Church. As he spoke out against that sin, and stood with women who are called to the priesthood, he attracted the attention of the Vatican and was eventually told to leave his Maryknoll community.

Fr. Roy's refusal to be silent when faced with an injustice is truly inspiring! He spoke of "poking the beehive of patriarchy" and of finding his joy and his place after being hurt by the institutional Church, and I could only think how lucky we are to have him in this Church of ours!

Fr. Roy will be back in the Midwest this week, speaking at Notre Dame on Wednesday. Check out our events calendar for more information.