May 1970: Two Young Men Are Praying for You – Folha de S. Paulo, April 26, 1970

by Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira

When terrorists bombed the headquarters of the Brazilian Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property’s National Council in the early hours of June 20, 1969, they thought they were striking a significant blow to the organization. In fact, the opposite was true. Soon after, Providence used the event to bring a flow of grace directly to that place.

A statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was among the most damaged objects during the criminal attack. We lovingly kept it. When the building’s restoration was finished, our dedicated doorman, Manuel, suggested building an oratory overlooking the street at the exact spot where the bomb exploded, to display the damaged statue for public veneration as a way to make reparation for the offense to the Virgin Mother of God.

In response to his appeal, I decided to have the statue carried in a solemn parade from our Pará Street headquarters to the one at 669 Rua Martim Francisco.

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Only frequent visitors to this center can truly feel this statue’s presence and the shrine’s positive influence on the community.

Since the oratory opened on November 18 last year, it has been receiving flowers nonstop. Beautiful roses, high-quality orchids, simple and even humble popular flowers gather both inside and outside the oratory, adding a festive touch to the street. The TFP has never bought these flowers; they are spontaneous offerings from the devotees of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

These offers usually come from local people, but some originate from very far away. Devotees of the statue are spreading throughout the vast city. A note asking for graces was left next to the oratory by a lady who said she lived in the Liberdade district. Beautiful flowers arrived from a flower shop in the Paraíso borough a few days ago. An object lost on the site had the address of someone from Jardim América.

People pray in front of the oratory at different times of the day and night. In the early morning hours, workers of all kinds rush past on their way to work. Some stop for a quick prayer in front of the oratory. Others, having no time to stop, cross themselves and keep going. Soon after, housewives heading to Mass or shopping start to pass by more steadily. Many stop or stand still to pray in front of the oratory. Gradually, the street begins to fill up with traffic. Private cars, cabs, trucks, and buses go by. It’s common to see people cross themselves inside their vehicles; men and women, children, young and old, passengers, and drivers.

The number of pedestrians on the sidewalk also grows and becomes more diverse. Many passers-by cross themselves; others stop and often linger for a while. Many kneel or bow to the ground, as if they were in church, including young men and even hippie-like individuals. Occasionally, someone offers flowers to thank Our Lady or ask for favors.

As night falls, activity slows down and the oratory becomes quiet. Its most beautiful and moving hours are coming.

If the Virgin has blessed those who have passed by in their daily struggle for life, in the evening, she lovingly welcomes the sad procession of the lonely and suffering souls… of sinners.

These people jump out of their cars late at night, take a moment to recollect themselves, and then leave. Where are they going? To honest rest? Maybe. But circumstances often leave no doubt: they come from sin or head toward it. Some sobbed, like a young man with hands folded and knees on the ground, who exclaimed: “Our Lady, please straighten up my life.” Providence guides these night owls to the one who knows how to correct all vices, forgive all the repentant, touch all the hardened, and console all the afflicted. Amid these sorrowful journeys, gratitude persists. Even late at night, a husband and wife often drive by with a child, bringing armfuls of flowers in thanks. So, time passes until morning brings a new parade of hopes, joys, and sorrows. For example, a septuagenarian woman, undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of traffic, prays at the oratory in broad daylight, asking Our Lady to save her from unemployment or eviction—I couldn’t hear which.

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Are there blasphemies or insults? Yes, but they’re rare.

Once, for example, an angry young man spat on the wall of the oratory.

At another time, some girls from the “prophetic groups” passed by protesting the ‘waste’ of flowers. Judas made a similar comment after seeing St. Mary Magdalene anoint the divine feet.

A person once approached the oratory where so many of the faithful obtain graces from the Queen of Heaven, and asked sarcastically: “What’s this? Is it macumba?” It was a nun…

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The overall image from these episodes is that of a great city where grace bestows magnificent favors, virtue withstands and overcomes the most adverse challenges, but where all kinds of sins and pains prowl and wreak havoc.

This has prompted TFP’s admirable young men to make a request that will surely resonate deeply with all readers with some depth in their souls.

While busy all day with their studies, jobs, and activities supporting Tradition, Family, and Property, they suggested taking turns praying the rosary at night during the upcoming month of Mary next to the statue the terrorists damaged.

What did they want to pray for during such a heroic time? For all those suffering in the vast city, that Our Lady may comfort and help them; for those struggling and wavering between virtue and sin; and for those who persevere in virtue, that Our Lady may strengthen their resolve. For all those who sin, that Our Lady may prevent despair and guide them back to goodness. For all those in agony, that Our Lady may smile upon them in their time of need.

I agreed. How could I not?

Nevertheless, I added some intentions to these noble ones: for the Church, that Our Lady may free her from progressivism; for Brazil, that Our Lady may free it from communism; for the people targeted by terrorists, that Our Lady may help, strengthen, and protect them; and for the terrorists, that Our Lady may touch their hearts and convert them.

Finally, I suggested that they pray especially for the terrorists who damaged the headquarters and the statue. If we forgive them with all our hearts, how much more will the Mother of all mercies forgive them!

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Therefore, everyone reading this article should know that if they need the help of a fraternal Christian prayer on any night this May, two young men—whether students, shopkeepers, or workers—will be praying for that help to be granted at that exact time.