During the Christmas season, Christians the world over admire beautiful nativity scenes celebrating the birthof the Prince of Peace in a manger. The Illinois State Capitol has one on display. However, this year, asatanic “baby” Baphomet figure (the devil depicted as half goat half man) received government approval togo on display at the State House rotunda in Springfield, Illinois, right next to the Nativity scene of Jesus,Mary, and Joseph.

Only days before Christmas, The Satanic Temple announced that it would install the abomination onDecember 20, 2021. The Satanists cynically invited the bishop of Springfield to attend the event after hepublished a statement against the sinful act.

After attending Sunday Mass on December 19, members of the American Society of Tradition, Family, andProperty (TFP) found out about the blasphemy. TFP Student Action director John Ritchie decided that thefourteen-hour drive to Springfield to protest the disturbing event was still possible. In less than 24-hours,thirteen young TFP volunteers reached the Capitol building at 11:00 AM, December 20.

Once inside the Capitol building, local Catholics joined TFP volunteers in prayer around the nativity scene in the rotunda. Two TFP members in their ceremonial habits stood next to the nativity scene holding a statue of the Infant Jesus on a golden damask pillow.

The recitation of the rosary and the Christmas carols echoed into the grand capitol’s cupula. Those gathered to defend God’s honour also displayed banners reading, “Satan has no rights,” “Stop Blasphemy Now,” and “Begone Satan! Mary crushes the serpent.”

A group of Satanists arrived in the middle of the rosary—what a stark contrast. On one side of the rotunda was a group of concerned Catholics holding the Prince of Peace, praying and singing. Just a few feet away stood about twenty Satanists dressed in macabre black, holding a hideous statue of a withered and twisted goat-like creature. All the Satanists shrieked together, “Hail Satan!” while flashing the devil symbol with their hands into the air. Pentagrams and occultist symbols marked their clothing, including the ubiquitous pro-LGBT rainbow flag. One Satanist wore a demon mask with horns.

At one point, a Satanist tried to scream out a type of prayer to the devil. However, his attempt was drowned out by the Hail Marys recited by TFP Student Action volunteers. With holy indignation, the young Catholics boldly said:

• “Together with St. Michael, we cry: Quis ut Deus! Who is like unto God?”
• “America is one nation under God – one nation under God.”
• “Satan has no rights!”
• “Shame, shame, shame!”
• “Reparation, reparation, reparation!”
• “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee, and crush the head of the wicked serpent!”
• “Long live the Prince of Peace. Down with the father of lies, a murderer from the beginning.” (John 8:44)

The satanic blasphemy did not last long. After a few minutes, the Satanists dispersed leaving the appalling “baby” Baphomet imp on display next to the traditional nativity scene.

But the Catholics did not stop praying.

After completing their rosary, John Ritchie encouraged those present to come before the statue of the Christ Child and venerate Him. To the calm strains of “What Child is This?” many stepped forward to kiss the feet of the Divine Infant. Three faithful prostrated themselves in the form of a cross on the rotunda floor in front of the Infant Jesus. One man was moved to tears by the spontaneous ceremony.

Employees at the State House were visibly shocked by the satanic display, and some shook their heads in disapproval and gave the Catholics protesters a thumbs up. One worker at the capitol was so grateful that she joined the rosary, gave a donation, and offered Christmas treats to the TFP volunteers.

There is a profound spiritual battle unfolding before us. The outcome of this conflict will shape the future of society. The agents of Lucifer are more and more brazen in their mockery of God. In the face of this constant barrage against Christ and Christian Civilization it is easy to become desensitized and forget what is at stake. The temptation is to ignore, disconnect and forget. But we must not be indifferent but rather reject the sin committed with every fibre of our hearts and souls.

Who was attacked on December 20 in such a public forum?

“What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!”

Let us gather before the Infant Jesus this Christmas and beseech Him to send His Angels to expel the forces of darkness working to destroy our beloved nation.