TRADFEST 24 CELEBRATION!

Since the Friends came to be, our group talked about celebrating Catholic Traditions with a picnic inviting one and all to enjoy being with each other and share that joy of being, well, a Catholic!

TRADFEST was born! Our invitations were sent out to the Our Lady of Peripheries community as well as Saint Anne's parish in San Diego. We didn't neglect the parishes of Saint Mary, Escondido, and Oceanside's Saint Margaret Church, the former TLM homes of many trads. In the "true" spirit of Catholic ecumenism, we even invited the SSPX Saint John the Baptist Mission.

The opposing sides for the Man of War competition. Some Trads are known to have a wicked sense of humor!

It was a beautiful April morning with spring beckoning and the Friends went at it, having fun, full-boar. TRADFEST was celebrated at Green Oaks Ranch, a 100-acre reserve private park, nestled in the suburbs of North County San Diego. It was complete with a zoo, prayer walk, soccer and baseball fields, swimming pool, picnic area and a Norman Rockwell painting splashed on the side of the restroom.

We began the afternoon festivities, giving glory to God with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, offered by Father Peter Adrian Miller, O. Praem., a wonderful Norbertine priest, from Saint Michael's Abbey.

But, even before mass, the Friends were prepping for the picnic.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, ribs, the obligatory potato chips and pretzels, along with salads, fruits, and potato salad was prepared for the feast!

Did I forget to mention desserts?

Our new Friends' Chairman didn't realize at the time TRADFEST was celebrated that he would be the chief, cook and bottle washer for our outfit! A walk in the park for our leader!

How do you handle a hungry Trad? Feed my lambs, Feed my sheep!

Even Father Peter chowed down (we don't know how he keeps his robes from getting mustard on them!)

A marvelous time was had by all!

A tug-of-war was played. The losers fell in the mud puddle!

Yes, Norman Rockwell was at mass!

TLM Friends at Mass.

Giving thanks to God in the best way we know how as God gives himself to us.

TRADFEST was a success because of the many volunteers who helped and donated as well as the faithful who attended.

There are plans to expand TRADFEST, next year, with sponsors, chant classes for kids and parents) as well as guest speakers.

See you next year at TRADFEST 25!