I have greatly enjoyed Lewis’ challenging, no-holds-barred opinion pieces, even if he is mostly “preaching to the choir.”  I wholeheartedly agree that we Catholics should never apologize for the views we hold sacred, particularly when challenging — albeit with grace and pastoral care — the apostasy of the new political elite. As Jesus puts it: “In the same way, when you have seen these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near” (Lk 21:31). 

I wish Mr. Lewis well in his life onwards and hope he will continue to marshal the power of words from time to time to continue to influence hearts and minds.

Arnie Francis

Almonte, Ont.

Serious questions 

I read your recent editorial “Church’s silent killer” with great sadness.

It was really an eye opener for me and I was very shocked to learn that 200,000 Catholics have left the Church in Canada on a yearly basis. Yes, there are many reasons why this occurred, but I think I can understand why many have left because of hurt, disappointment, disgrace, betrayal, disgust and more caused by the priests who have disgraced our religion, their parishioners, themselves and their families.

I have questions, however, for those have left the Church for any of these reasons: Are you going to allow them to triumph over you? Are you going to continue to let them have you give up your beautiful Catholic religion, which teaches you to love one another and to forgive those who have hurt you? 

I hope they will sit and think about that.

Joyce de Gannes

Toronto

Exorcist insight

It was impressive to learn that Sr. Helena Burns once managed to secure an interview with the famous exorcist Fr. Gabriele Amorth (“God! He just beats the devil,” Dec. 18, 2022). 

In his books, Fr. Amorth provides keen insight into the battle between good and evil. Concerning the present era, he writes, “Satan uses the idolatry of sex, which reduces the human body to an instrument of sin, against the Incarnation of the Word who redeemed man by becoming man.”

Lise Anglin

Toronto 

Spiritual persecution

The spectacular picture accompanying your article about Red Wednesday brought into focus world-wide persecution of the Christian community, which our docility encourages. 

Physical persecution is largely limited to Islamic countries based on poor contextual interpretation of the Koran. It is psychological persecution we should be concerned with since Canada leads the Western world in this regard. 

I don’t think anyone can forget the enormous lie strongly endorsed by Justin Trudeau of murder of Indigenous kids by the Church, the legal persecution of pro-life activists and enforcement of MAID in lieu of palliative care. Our unfortunate docility gives the State carte blanche to abrogate Catholic morality. 

Yes, we are certainly part of those to be represented by our lit up churches.

J.E. Sequeira

Pointe Claire, Que.