Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!
By Deacon Rod Knight
When I think of Kansas, I think of the Wizard of Oz, Amelia Earhart, agriculture, “The Breadbasket of America”, Dodge City of the wild west, Kansas City Barbecue, and a lot more. I don’t think of satanist. However, on March 15, 2025, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wichita was desecrated and vandalized with satanic messages and the defacing of sacred spaces, destruction of religious statues, broken glass, and the burning of an American flag. Mass was temporarily moved from the Church to a gym.
Apparently, the devil is busy. On March 28, 2025, a “black mass” is planned to take place at the Kansas State Capital. The satanist of the Grotto Society (AKA the Satanic Grotto) representatives Michael Stewart and Travis Roberts have boasted that they have secured a consecrated host and plan to desecrate it. Mr. Stewart claims he plans to kill Jesus, desecrate a Bible, a crucifix, and other Christian symbols. The Satanic Grotto says the black mass event will dedicate the grounds and the legislature to the glory of Satan and claim “God will fall, and Kansas will be embraced by the black flame of Lucifer.” All this is in response to and protest to the pro-life (life-affirming) legislation passed in Kansas.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann (Kansas City) has filed civil legal action against the Satanic Grotto, seeking emergency relief to recover stolen sacred property (the Blessed Sacrament). The satanist’s ringleader has testified under oath (20 March) that they are NOT in possession of consecrated host(s). I personally do not find comfort in this; did he swear on a Bible? Is he not a follower of the father of all lies? Does this anger you? Imagine if he was going to desecrate the Koran.
But there are a few lessons here. Why should we vote? The Governor of Kansas, Laura Kelly, is Catholic. Governor Kelly has censured the black mass and said that participants were not allowed to demonstrate inside the capital building. This, however, is not a peaceful protest in my mind. I do not know and am not judging Governor Kelly. But we must remember that we are or are not Catholic; we can not be part-time Catholics. Politicians (regardless of their party) cannot straddle the fence to placate their immediate audience. If they are claiming to be Catholic hold them accountable to the teachings of the Faith. We must ensure that we elect judges who are going to enforce the law and not twist it to fit a political agenda. Do your homework and vote your conscience.
We cannot be complacent; if you are lukewarm, God will spit you out of his mouth (Revelation 3:16). Doing nothing is still a choice, and we will all answer for our choices on the day of judgment. Are we evangelizing, spreading a Catholic worldview, loving God and our neighbor, and living our faith? Are we imitating Christ? I remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” And ultimately, how do we respond? The Benedictine College pledged weekly Holy Hours and Rosaries for the conversion of those planning the black mass sacrilege and for a renewed faith throughout the state of Kansas. Archbishop Naumann has asked all to respond with prayer. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone asks us, “Pray for their conversion of heart and rescue them from the blackness of Satan.” A response of love, praying for our enemies. How is our prayer life? Are we doing our part to keep evil at bay? When was the last time you prayed the Rosary? For all you prayer warriors who are fighting the good fight, thanks be to God. If not, the opportunity exists by showing up early to Mass and joining in a Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet, which most of our parishes do currently. Blessed Virgin Mary, terror of demons, Pray for us.