Violence, hate speech met with prayer and unity

TOPEKA — While Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart attempted to hold a satanic event at the Kansas Capitol March 28, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann led hundreds of Catholics from all over the state in eucharistic adoration followed by a Votive Mass of Mercy in Assumption Church, directly across from the Capitol. St. Joseph Church, blocks away from Assumption, did likewise and was also full. 

Even as protests and counter-protests on the Capitol grounds turned violent, and Stewart was taken into custody by Kansas Highway Patrol, the archbishop acknowledged the satanists’ right to free speech.

“I understand and appreciate our right as Americans to free speech and free expression,” said the archbishop. “What I do not understand is why we are giving our Capitol as a venue for what is truly hate speech.”

Calling it “a sad day for Kansas,” the archbishop said that he was at the same time gratified by the response of the faithful Catholics there that day.

“We unite in prayer and adoration of God, to pray for mercy and grace for ourselves and those who seek to mock our merciful God,” he said.

To view more photos from the day, click here.