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Letters to the Editor

A strange sign of the times

Thomas Estrada • Apr 07, 2025
Kudos for publishing Msgr. Richard Antall’s thoughtful essay on “The problem with the Catholic immigration debate” in the April 4 issue.  I too know many Latinos, including undocumented, who supported the candidate Trump last year … even Haitians! This is telling us that there is something deeply broken in our immigration system, and in our national politics. And it deserves serious reflection from Catholics. — Thomas Estrada, Miami, Florida

A confusing distinction?

Marilyn Boussaid • Apr 07, 2025
Father Ron Rolheiser’s column in the April 4 issue about the distinction between “Jesus” and Christ” left me feeling uncomfortable.  I’m not a theologian, but I think maybe Rolheiser has been listening too much to Evangelicals.  The early Church used the title “Christ,” meaning the “Messiah,” to emphasize that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament. The title “Christ,” then, focuses on his Divine Mission as the One everyone was waiting for: the King of the Jews. “The Moshiach,” the Messiah.  Making a New Agey distinction between “Jesus” and “Christ” risks confusing people, in the same way that Evangelicals are confused. Jesus, God Incarnate, is the same Divine Person as the Person we call “The Christ.”  — Marilyn Boussaid, St. James Parish, Redondo Beach 

The right help for the immigrants among us

Elisa Molina • Mar 24, 2025
Thank you for your sensitive and balanced coverage of immigration in Kimmy Chacón’s article “Answers and Assurances” in the March 21 issue.  I have found some of President Trump’s actions and statements on immigration during his second term to be necessary, others wrongheaded, and sometimes immoral. But they are having real life consequences for faithful, hardworking families in parishes like mine, and the workshops are a prudent approach to the problem.  — Elisa Molina, Venice

Wait, is the pandemic really over?

Sally Carpenter • Mar 24, 2025
Regarding the cover story of the March 21 issue titled “Five Year Checkup” (March 21 issue of Angelus): In my parish, there are several indications the pandemic never ended.  During the lockdown, the parish office sent emails regarding social distancing, vaccines, masks, etc., but never sent an email when the unvaccinated could stop wearing masks. The Mass choirs have never returned. Altar servers are rare. No handshakes during the passing of the peace, just tepid hand waves. The Precious Blood is still withheld from the laity. The prayer chapel remains locked and the large baptismal font is dry. Parishioners can still sit on the patio or in their cars to hear Mass via radio.  Ministries such as adult small groups, Sunday Mass children’s liturgy, retreats, etc., have vanished. If the prayer groups and Bible studies have resumed, they haven’t announced their return. This is my parish’s new normal. — Sally Carpenter, Moorpark

The power of a prayer video

Marilyn Boussaid • Mar 10, 2025
I absolutely loved the LACatholics video offering prayers for Pope Francis and wishing him a speedy recovery. Thank you for including it in your daily e-newsletter, Always Forward. I’m sure it will be a big hit with our Holy Father! — Marilyn Boussaid, St. James Parish, Redondo Beach

Can helping heal anything?

Claudia Mena • Mar 10, 2025
Since reading Heidi Johnson’s commentary in the March 7 issue titled “The service cure,” I’ve been thinking a lot about her idea that helping others can help us heal from our own pain.  I’ve never had to endure a tragedy like the one Johnson did or the loss of a home or loved ones in wildfires, so it’s hard to compare my personal experience with what she describes. But I have experiences that track with her point.  Years ago, a confessor told me that the best remedy to get out of habitual sin is to “give my life” in whatever way possible, especially sacrificing my time, comfort, and even money for the good of others. I can say that following that advice has saved me countless times, although “giving my life” is a daily struggle that I have to ask God’s help with a lot. Thank you for the thought-provoking article! — Claudia Mena, Las Cruces, New Mexico

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