In the third of a series of “Welcome Home Louie” gatherings in Las Vegas, some forty long-time friends and fellow activists came together last night to celebrate the homecoming of Father Louie Vitale, to hear stories from his recent “hermitage” experiences in county jails in Georgia, and to be challenged by his vision of the power of nonviolent people movements to change the course of history.

The evening began with socializing and informal viewing of a 70’s video featuring Louie’s involvement in the Welfare Rights movement in Las Vegas. Following a delicious Italian dinner, the group circled to hear from Louie.

Just as he was beginning his talk, Senator Harry Reid walked in. The house meeting hostess, Harriet Trudell, had included him in her list of invitees.

After a few comments from the Senator, in which he spoke appreciatively of always having seen Fr Louie as one of his mentors, Louie, in his characteristic charismatic way, shared his stories and his convictions. Interlacing his comments with humor and poignant observations, he called for a closing of the School of the Americas at Ft Benning Georgia, and for an end to the war in Iraq.

When Senator Reid left, Louie had a few minutes of personal conversation with him, sharing information on the Declaration of Peace and asking for more action toward ending the war. Reid responded by saying that to end the war, the peace movement needs to get people out on the streets in large numbers, as the immigration movement came out on the streets.

Attendees at this event responded with much appreciation for Louie’s witness, for his work with the Declaration of Peace, and for the prospect of his making Las Vegas his second home in the next months. All in all, it was a providential event.

The two other meetings in Las Vegas also were marked by the presence of people deeply appreciative of Louie’s witness and a strong interest in seeking to bring more of the creative power of nonviolence into our lives and our world.