No Fear - No Hate Solidarity March

by Brother Greg Cellini, O.S.F.

Having just returned in mid-afternoon to Brooklyn Heights after cohosting four radio shows in New Jersey and being up since 2:00 am, I was very much looking forward to enjoying much of the rest of the weekend to myself. I was not even home five minutes when I was approached by Brother Joseph Bach, O.S.F., our Vocation Director and Director of the Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation. Brother Joseph was wondering if I wanted to participate in a No Fear - No Hate Solidarity March taking place the next day in support of ending the racism against Jewish people occurring in New York City. I could not help think, “I am not Jewish, why should I go?”. While my exhausted body and mind told me to politely decline, the Holy Spirit more strongly encouraged me to accept the invitation.

The next morning I accompanied Brother Gabriel O’Brien, O.S.F. – our Superior General –  to the March. It was a seasonally cold morning, which made me all the more grateful for the warmth of Brother Sun. Even greater than Brother Sun, it was the crowd of people we encountered who warmed my heart.

I could not believe the number of participants. Buses had traveled from Virginia, leaving as early as 4:00 am. Even more surprising was the reception we received. Countless people approached to thank us for being there to support their cause. Many asked to take pictures with us. Some asked me why I was there, to which I now could simply respond, “To walk with you in this journey toward a New York City where everyone can peacefully and lovingly coexist.”

To top it off, at the end of the Brooklyn Bridge we met Curtis Sliwa - the radio star and anti-crime activist who founded the Guardian Angels. It was an honor to briefly chat with a radio icon and one of the greatest social entrepreneurs of the 21st century.

Returning to the Friary with cold feet but a warm and full heart, I thanked God for providing that great fulfillment which comes from seizing an opportunity to make a difference. I had learned the very valuable lesson that I do not have to be part of a group being unjustly treated in order to walk in solidarity with them – all I need to do is give my presence. As St. Francis said over 800 years ago, “It is in giving that we receive.”