Peaceful Protesters Park On Oblate’s DC Front Yard

Posted on June 3, 2020

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157071870071021&set=a.10151364102081021&type=3

The news has been dominated this week by the demonstrations around the country in response to the tragic death of George Floyd. On Tuesday June 2, the Missionary Oblates found themselves in the middle of it all for a short while as demonstrators parked themselves in the front yard of the Oblate residence and Provincial Offices.

The Oblate residence and offices are directly across Michigan Avenue from the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is nearby the St John Paul II National Shrine which the President and First Lady planned to visit on Tuesday. In anticipation of the President’s visit, a gathering of demonstrators was sponsored by Catholics for DC, many of whom are colleagues the Oblates work with on a regular basis. Therefore, hundreds of protestors found a front-row seat in the Oblate’s front yard. Oblate participants included Fathers Séamus Finn, Jim Brobst (who posted video on his Facebook page), George Kirwin and Brother Joey Methé.

There were more people than just those from Catholic s for DC, according to Fr. Finn: “The others were people from the neighborhood or others who heard about the Gathering through social media. There were other demonstrations on the north side of Harewood road in front of the Capuchins and others along the way. I’m also informed that our demonstration and front lawn made the Nightly News on some Networks.”

Fortunately, all remained peaceful, below are some photos posted on YouTube by Fr Séamus Finn, of the crowds on the lawn of their involuntary hosts.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157071869911021&set=pcb.10157071870236021&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157071869991021&set=pcb.10157071870236021&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157071870106021&set=pcb.10157071870236021&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157071870181021&set=pcb.10157071870236021&type=3&theater