Before last Christmas a large retail store near us remained open with often many people inside shopping. Yet, a few blocks away our local Catholic church, comparable in size, was closed to stop infection. A total contradiction.
Clearly government has little regard for faith, churches or the Mass. But St. Paul says that “nothing” can “separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:39).
Claudio Ceolin,
Toronto
Anti-MAiD
Re: Conservative Party reaffirms anti-MAiD stance (April 4):
This story asserts the Conservative Party is “the only party against making it easier for Canadians to kill themselves with the help of a doctor.” Maybe this is true for the parties presently with seats in the House of Commons, but it is not true of at least one other federal party — CHP Canada. The platform of CHP Canada is clear and direct on this issue: “CHP Canada views euthanasia and assisted suicide as an unacceptable response to any situation, whether it is a terminal or incurable illness or a chronic condition.”
I urge you to be more thorough in your remarks about federal political parties. CHP Canada fully supports life, family and freedom in its platform and policies.
David Darwin,
CEO, CHP Ottawa West-Nepean
Special prayer
Since the beginning of the pandemic over one year ago, there has been a noticeable lack of comprehensive or unified prayers for the intentions of COVID-19, with the exception of a single petition for Good Friday. As a result I have written this prayer to encourage individual and family prayer especially at a time when the pandemic seems to be out of control.
Bishop Robert Kasun, CSB
Auxiliary Bishop, Central Region
Archdiocese of Toronto
Prayer In Time Of COVID
Gracious God, you who are the author of all life, and who desire the well-being of all people, during these dark days of COVID-19, increase in us respect and reverence for all human life.
Grant restored health to the sick,
Comfort and hope to the dying,
Eternal peace for those who have died,
Strength to family members, relatives, clergy, friends and volunteers,
Renewed energy to hospital workers, PSWs, nurses and doctors,
And perseverance to all in the health care professions.
Grant wisdom to scientists for the development of effective and moral vaccines,
Discernment and right judgment for legislators,
Aid to the discouraged, poor and vulnerable,
Courage and justice for front-line workers and all who risk their lives for the benefit of others,
And keep always in our minds the vision of the true common good of all the world.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Written for the Toronto Chinese Catholic Task-Force in support of their “National Thank, Care and Support COVID-19 Heroes” initiative.)