I found the analogy used by John L. Allen Jr. in the Dec. 3 issue article “Tradition and transition” to be flippant and insulting. 

My concern is not with his point of view, which can be argued by theologians. But to compare those who assist at the Extraordinary Form of the Mass to a “cantankerous old uncle” that nobody wants around is beneath the standard of your magazine.

I give the Holy Father the benefit of the doubt, and believe that he is trying to do what he feels is best for the Church. I hope Allen prays, as do I, for the good of the Church and not that of his own ideology. He is welcome to his opinion, but should imbibe a bit of charity and humility. After all, he may be completely wrong. That happens when you’re human.

— Andre Coulombe, Sylmar