Re: “Misjudgments threaten would-be saints’ reputations” (News Analysis, March 18).
Servant of God Father John A. Hardon was the spiritual adviser of my husband, Dr. John A. Kavanaugh, in his work as an obstetrician and gynecologist during the difficult years of Humanae Vitae. Father Hardon was an unwavering source of knowledge of the Church teaching, and an inspiration and strength to my husband from April 1964 to the death of my husband in May 1977. After my husband’s death, Father Hardon befriended our family, taking time from his busy schedule to comfort, guide and help us.
Father Hardon was the spiritual director of my writing from 1964 until shortly before his death in December 2000. During that time, he guided me in accord with the teaching of the Church. He was a constant source of knowledge and faith, and an endless example of sanctity. Never once was he anything but a perfect image of virtue, holiness, kindness, eternal love and loyalty to the teaching of Christ and his Church. I am eternally grateful.
— Ruth Kavanaugh, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Editor’s note: The above letter was sent to Father Robert McDermott, postulator for Father Hardon’s canonization cause, as well as OSV.
Print good news
You have done it again! Even casting doubt about Blessed Teresa!
We’ve heard enough about sex abuse. The Vatican just announced that latest figures: the Church is growing, especially in Africa. Vocations to the priesthood have been increasing yearly. Print the good news!
— Matthew Luczycki, Oneida, N.Y.
Sexist comment?
Re: “We cannot leave the job just to ‘fat, balding, Irish bishops’” (Openers, March 18).
What an absolute sexist thing to say that the U.S. bishops hired an “attractive” woman to be their spokesperson! Such thinking betrays a misogynist outlook, even if it is not intentionally so.
— Marguerite Groves, via email
Catholic division
I have been saying for years there is a split in the Catholic Church with the so-called Catholics for choice (which shouldn’t be) compared with every day Catholics who follow the degrees, rulings of the Church.
The 13 so-called Catholics who voted against the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (This Week, March 18) are the same ones who want to be buried with full ceremony instead of a blessing. The bishops and cardinals knew the vote was coming. Why didn’t they at least contact them by telephone, instead of asking the laity?
— Dennis Wallin, Collierville, Tenn.
In praise of CRS
Did you know that there is a Catholic organization that makes the lives of the poor better? This organization is Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and we have a responsibility to support them.
CRS does virtuous and humane work around the world. They respond to natural disasters and situations of war. They promote human development, help break the cycle of poverty, and make sustainable community projects. CRS provides educational programs, health care, clean water, sanitation, and agricultural projects. They promote peace and justice. They work in conflict resolution and encourage people to become involved in their local governments. CRS has agricultural programs in Madagascar, educational programs in Vietnam, and peace making efforts in Bosnia Herzegovina. There are many others.
CRS is a worthy organization. They have an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy and 95 percent of donations go directly to the programs, with only 5 percent spent on administrative costs. CRS follows Catholic philosophy by obeying Jesus’ call, “What you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). St. Francis told us to preach the Gospel daily, and only to use words if you must.
CRS helps to fulfill an important mission of the Church, that of spreading the Gospel by reaching out to the poor.
— Vassily Wood, Belcourt, N.D.
