First, in response to Sr. Helena Burns and her article of Theology of the Body (March 7). Wonderful! Her list of “five key points our youth desperately need to hear, believe and internalize” and the values stated within is not a list only for the youth of today nor only for Christian youth, but a list for youth in general, as well as every adult. In a tumultuous snake-pit of error and omission, it is grand to see the emergence of a rose arising from its centre — a rose of truth and freedom, strongly rooted in reality and enduring through the trials and errors of human experience. It may be a “voice in the wilderness,” but a voice that is different is a voice that is heard.
Second, I cannot but admire and love more deeply our Holy Father. Seeing him ascend the ramp to board the airliner which ended his visit to our fellow Christians of Iraq, those persecuted and martyred for the sake of all of us, climbing alone, unattended or guarded, spoke volumes to our call to live our faith in courage and trust and as St. John Paul II prompted, without fear.
Christ walks with us this Lent of 2021. The acts of both Sr. Helena Burns and Pope Francis are an attestation to that.
Lynn Herbach Cristini,
Edmonton, Alta.
Danger signals
The unfortunate consequence of freedom of speech is that it empowers nasty people to say and do nasty things to people from other groups or types. The news is rife with stories denouncing bigotry in many forms. A similar example has taken place in Brampton and Vancouver these past few months where fanatics linked to Hindu and Sikh extremist groups have exchanged attacks.
The conflict has less to do with India’s mistreatment of Punjab farmers but a growing Hindu extremist movement that endangers the lives of neighbouring religions and communities. These fanatics could prove dangerous to Canadians as well. Indian PM Narendra Modi has passed laws to revoke citizenship of Islamic citizens, held rallies to intimidate non-Hindu communities at home and abroad. Canada must be vigilant.
Christopher Mansour,
Barrie, Ont.
St. Joseph
In the March 21 issue, Fr. Raymond de Souza recommends that the Solemnity of St. Joseph be a Holy Day of Obligation in Canada. He points out that St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of the Universal Church and of Canada. Additionally St. Joseph is Patron Saint of Workers, of a Happy Death and Terror of Demons.
His intercessory power is extolled by St. Teresa of Avila in her autobiography: “I wish I could persuade everyone to be devoted to this glorious saint, for I have great experience of the blessings which he can obtain from God. I have never known anyone to be truly devoted to him and render him particular services who did not notably advance in virtue, for he gives very real help to souls who commend themselves to him. For some years now, I think I have made some request of him every year on his festival and I have always had it granted.”
Lise Anglin,
Toronto
Good vs. evil
Re: Social conservatives plan to make their voices heard at Conservative Party convention (March 14):
The classic battle between good and evil subsists in this very issue; the sanctity of life versus political uncertainty.
Ricardo DiCecca,
Burlington, Ont.