Letters to the Editor

Priests: Preach truth no matter what

I am a regular reader of Our Sunday Visitor, and I especially enjoy reading the Pastoral Answers column. Msgr. Francis Mannion does a good job of presenting clear and thoughtful answers to questions he receives. I would like, however, to make a few comments relating to his answer about pro-life homilies ("Ways to forgiveness," March 16).

As Msgr. Mannion stated, there is a general tendency among priests these days not to bring up life issues such as abortion, contraception, in-vitro fertilization or sterilization in homilies or adult education classes. The reason being that these issues are controversial, and some members of the congregation are likely to be offended.

When our Lord walked on the earth, he addressed controversial issues, including life issues, and was not concerned that he would offend people. He did not come to tell people what they wanted to hear so as to "tickle their ears." He came to preach the truth and the Gospel in its entirety so that all mankind could attain salvation.

I truly believe that men are called to the priesthood to imitate and to identify with God, since they are called to be the shepherds of their flock. They must, therefore, follow the example of our Lord and not be concerned with offending some members of the congregation at the expense of losing souls.

Until the general tendency among priests and bishops change on these life issues, the moral values in our country will continue to decay. God created life out of love. We as his people must also sustain, respect and defend life out of love.

-- Joe Charnovich, Uniontown, Ohio

Loss of identity

The Catholic identity article "Risqué play reignites academic freedom debate" (News Analysis, March 30) is well put.

I was a graduate and later a librarian of Barat College, Lake Forest, Ill., (originally a women's college) and closed since 2005. The closing of Barat College is another reminder that something precious can be lost. In my opinion Barat College lost its focus and identity along the way by appealing to too many groups in the mainstream culture in order to maintain sufficient enrollment.

Perhaps, we can take away a lesson from that school closing by recognizing that the world and religion are usually at odds with each other.

I converted to Catholicism because of the influence and personal observations of good teachers and my understanding of education with a purpose that includes service to the highest good of society.

I would never have converted to Catholicism had "The Vagina Monologues" been on my campus, and no amount of talking could have convinced me that this was a call to think deeper on my femininity.

Education is a matter of trust, one must trust the wisdom, goodness and faith of teachers while learning to discern and think critically. Further, I would not have made donations to the school.

-- Rebecca Jeffords, Lake Bluff, Ill.

Oppression not enjoyable

The article written by Gerard O'Connell on the abduction of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho, was going well, until he wrote the misleading and erroneous paragraph basically blaming the U. S. invasion for the dwindling Catholic worshippers ... he states, they "enjoyed" religious freedom and protection under the rule of Saddam Hussein. Well, they may have been allowed to worship but FREEDOM was a different story. If they didn't do things the "right" way, and pledge allegiance to the "right" people, they were hauled off to rape and torture rooms, where many were eventually killed.

That country has been under turmoil and chaos for centuries, and mostly because of Islamic fascist fanatics, not the U.S. troops. An Iraqi refugee I met on the job, who eventually became a citizen, thanks God every day for the American "invasion" and said his relatives told him that life was getting back to normal, churches and schools were reopening, hospitals were being built, and in much less fear than when Saddam ruled. I know an Iraqi nun who also says it's getting better there.

I detect a bit of an "agenda" in that column and I feel that should be toned down because as we all know, there are many varying opinions on this subject and in all fairness, some things would be better off not to be mentioned.

-- Name Withheld

Prayer is the answer

The best article in the March 16 issue of OSV was by Robert P. Lockwood ("Who's that knocking?). It was about real life, not some academic theological treatise. He tells of the daily struggle to be Christlike. It is not easy. The answer, of course, is more prayer, but many these days are not in a praying mood. It takes true wisdom to know we cannot solve our problems; only God can. We must pray for divine assistance.

Too many people these days are proud, including Catholics, and pride is blind. The humble pray. The proud go round and round in ceaseless activity but accomplishing little. They love to hear themselves talk. The old praying grandmothers do more for the Church by far than the erudite scholars.

-- Father Rawley Myers, Colorado Springs, Colo.

That's not funny

It is nice to read about comedians who keep their act clean, such as Jimmy Brogan. He gives credit to his faith for this ("Catholic comedian stands up for good clean fun," March 23 ).

I do not doubt his faith and intentions at all. However, the example given of a "joke," told by a priest no less, is unbelievable: "Why didn't Christ go to college? He always got nailed on his boards." There is absolutely nothing humorous in Jesus' suffering on the cross.

That a priest would say it, Brogan consider it funny, and that Our Sunday Visitor would use that "joke" as an example of religious humor is very sad.

-- Kevin Wirsch, Fishkill, N.Y.