Tom Fassbender said it’s apparent that what people need now is faith – in themselves, in each other, in a vision for a new and better age. 

The unrest in American cities, with riots and protests over racial injustice and anger over the deaths of Black men and women, battles with law enforcement agencies and fire and looting in commercial districts, all point to deep trouble and a longing for peace and justice.

That’s why Fassbender joined Unite Our Nation. It was started this summer by Patrick Ciriacks and Kevin O’Brien of Milwaukee, co-founder of Men of Christ, a Catholic men’s organization based in Wisconsin.

“It's very obvious there is spiritual warfare going on in our country and in our world,” Fassbender said. “The only true solution is Christ. Jesus is the Prince of Peace so why not bring him to our streets?”

O’Brien told Wisconsin Catholic Tribune  he had been troubled since protests erupted in the country and he felt a need to do something to make a difference.

“Evil resides when good men do nothing,” O’Brien said. “We talk a good game, but we have to put our word into action.”

On Aug. 15, a Eucharistic procession and rosary rally was held in Madison. Nearly 3,000 people took part, gathering in the upper section of State Street, the site of protests earlier this year.

It was a damaged place, with windows boarded up and stores and restaurants still recovering from the civil unrest. Yet the men, women and children who came together in the name of Christ wanted to show they would not surrender the area.

Video of the procession and rally has been shared online and a website provides videos, letters, news releases and a “playbook” that can be downloaded and offer instructions on how to rally spiritual support.

“Jesus summoned Simon Peter to step out of the boat and to walk on the water. We can’t do anything if we don’t take one step,” Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison is quoted in the video. “To process the Eucharistic Christ through the streets of a city is to really call down the whole power of Jesus crucified and risen upon our people, upon our city.” 

O’Brien said people in five other states — Michigan, Arkansas, North Carolina, Texas and Illinois — contacted him about joining the movement.

Fassbender said he believes in O’Brien’s vision.

“Unite the Nation is a grassroots movement to bring Christ to our streets and pray for peace and unity,” he said. “My connection to the group is Kevin O'Brien, who founded the movement.”

Fassbender said the reason behind the formation of Unite the Nation is readily apparent.

“Efforts like this are not only important, they are essential,” he said. “Turn on any news station and then tell me the world does not need Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.”

Fassbender said it has been embraced by the people he knows. They were longing for a way to use their faith to make a difference.

“Every Catholic that I have spoken to about this loves the idea and sees how necessary it is as they know we need God more than ever,” he said.

Fassbender said everyone reading story this can – and should – join the cause.

“Do it in your diocese ASAP,” he said. “Go to uniteournation.net and get the playbook.”