By REY FLORES
A few years back, after I had left my position as director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development at the Archdiocese of Chicago, I attempted to continue the reformation work we started internally at the CCHD, but doing it independently. And without the threat of a gaggle of liberal clergy hounding me for disrupting their leftist social justice projects.
After being targeted by the Obama administration’s IRS while applying for a 501c3 status, I gave up the effort. In addition, God opened another door for me where I could work with terrific researchers already doing the type of work I had intended to do with my own organization.
I had the honor of working with Michael Hichborn for a few years at American Life League. Over time, however, Hichborn found that in order for a real impact to be made against the several objectionable programs at the USCCB, he would have to commit himself exclusively to these much-needed efforts: hence, The Lepanto Institute.
Hichborn describes it best on his recently launched website: “The Lepanto Institute for the Restoration of All Things in Christ is a research and education organization dedicated to the defense of the Catholic Church against assaults from without as well as from within. Whether in the form of armies, heretics, or traitors, the Church has always faced enemies seeking her destruction. Today, the Church faces all three.
“In 1571, at the famous Battle of Lepanto, recourse to the rosary saved the Church against a powerful force. Soldiers and sailors still had to rely upon their wits, strength, and blood in the fight, but it was Our Lady of the Rosary who ultimately brought the victory. Today, a powerful force is again assaulting Holy Mother Church but in a much more subtle manner.
“The Lepanto Institute was created to present the facts regarding organizations that claim the name Catholic or even Christian, but are acting in opposition to the teachings of our Blessed Lord and His Holy and Immaculate Church. Sadly, organizations like Catholic Relief Services, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the Catholic Health Association, and many others are giving aid and comfort to the enemies of Christ.
“Even worse, dissident and apostate Catholics in politics and other prominent arenas are giving a false witness to the faith by claiming to be Catholic while promoting abortion, contraception, and homosexuality. As a remedy to this grave situation, the purpose of the Lepanto Institute is to encourage recourse to the Holy Rosary, particularly offered for bishops and priests, while presenting the facts on individuals and institutions such as these.”
If there were one soldier of Christ I would want fighting by my side in this battle against good and evil, that soldier would be Michael Hichborn. I thank God that He did put me side-by-side with Mike.
Even before we worked together, we did a little battle against each other, thankfully learning rather quickly that while we were on different sides of the battlefield, we were truly brothers in arms.
For those of you unfamiliar with Michael Hichborn, he is a well-known public figure in the pro-life movement. Michael spent seven and a half years as American Life League’s director of the Defend the Faith project. In this capacity, Michael researched and produced an annual report on organizations receiving grant money from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. This annual report, exposing dozens of grantees that were promoting abortion, birth control, homosexuality, and Marxism, led to a nationwide review of the CCHD and a tightening of its guidelines.
Michael has also conducted research on Catholic hospital systems that are involved in the performance of abortions and sterilizations; he wrote a detailed report charging that some abortion and contraception-pushing organizations received money from Catholic Relief Services; and he produced a detailed report on Obamacare and its dangers to women, preborn babies, and the elderly.
In addition to his work as director of Defend the Faith, Michael hosted the online video series, The American Life League Report. This popular video series features exposes and explanations of the Culture of Death and its work in our country and in our Church. The videos can be seen at: www.all.org/youtube.
Michael is not only one of our most brave and fearless soldiers in Christ’s army, but he is also a man I have proudly called my friend and I also have the joy of our own spouses and children becoming friends as well. Even our sons are fellow altar boys at our parish.
As the culture wars are getting more brutal and the attacks against our Church, our faith, and our families are increasing and becoming more relentless, let us become better prepared and equipped with the necessary tools and information that The Lepanto Institute provides us.
Like anything else, it takes money to help make this work happen and The Lepanto Institute needs our help and continued support. I ask that you prayerfully join me in making a generous contribution to this brand new effort.
I also challenge you all to invite at least two more people to also make a contribution to The Lepanto Institute. Perhaps your own parish, organization, or pro-life group would like to have Mike give a powerful talk at your next event.
To contribute and learn more about this promising new institution, visit www.LepantoInstitute.org or call 540-847-5501. Tell them Rey Flores at The Wanderer sent you.
Please keep The Lepanto Institute and Michael Hichborn in prayer as they go to war on our behalf.
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(Rey Flores is a Catholic writer and speaker. Contact Rey at reyfloresusa@gmail.com.)
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