MADISON — The Wisconsin State Council of the Knights of Columbus is sponsoring the “Battle Ready Rally” in Wisconsin featuring Doug Barry, founder of RADIX and co-host of EWTN’s Life on the Rock.
The rallies — for men, women, and children ages seven and older — are described as helping people to become “aware of, prepare for, and engage in the spiritual fight.”
Barry, a husband and father of five children, has been spreading and defending the Catholic faith for over two decades throughout the United States and internationally.
What is ‘Battle Ready’?
“Battle Ready” is an “effort to encourage and strengthen the fighting spirit in all Christians,” according to its website (www.battlereadystrong.com).
It explains, “From the fall of man, we have been aware that there is an enemy that seeks to destroy us. The idea that this truth is somehow outdated or is not relevant in our day is dangerous.
“The most serious decisions you and I will ever make are those that affect the salvation or damnation of our souls. There is a great danger in ignoring the reality of the conflict with evil that we all face. The attacks against those things that are good, holy, and noble are very real and are ongoing.
“Before our actions towards this spiritual battle will change, our way of thinking and our understanding of the truth of it must change. We must be aware of the big picture.”
The website goes on to say, “We are the Church Militant, one of the three parts of the Catholic Church. The other two are the Church Suffering and the Church Triumphant. The Church has always taught that while we live in this world we are at war with spiritual enemies, most clearly expressed by temptations and attacks that come from the world, the flesh, and the devil.”
Important sources to help prepare people for spiritual battle suggested by “Battle Ready” include:
• Regular reading of sacred Scripture.
• Reading the lives of the saints.
• Studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
• Knowing the law of God.
Rallies in diocese
The Battle Ready Rallies will be held:
• Tuesday, Feb. 24, at St. Aloysius Church, 115 Madison St., Sauk City, with Adoration and Confession at 6:30 p.m. and the rally at 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 25, at St. Peter Church, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 26, at Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church, 205 Milwaukee Ave., Waterloo, at 6:30 p.m.
The rallies will also be held in Fond du Lac, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin Rapids, Auburndale, La Crosse, and Bloomer.
There is no charge. For more information, go to www.battlereadystrong.com