Menu

Letters to the Editor

A boost of faith at private Masses

• Apr 20, 2021
Regarding the Vatican suppression of private Masses: As an undergraduate resident at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, I attended many Masses celebrated by individual priests in the local chapel, at one or another of the side altars.  For me, it was very edifying to know I could go to the chapel in the early morning, and attend Mass before many minutes passed. As far as I know, the priests were unaware of people like me in attendance, but the practice helped to cement the faith I remain graced with 60 odd years later. — Francis Donohoe, St. Raphael, Santa Barbara 

Hans Küng deserves a less sour assessment

• Apr 19, 2021
I loved the April 23 issue: the reflections of Archbishop Gomez and the pope were wonderful, Fr. Rolheiser’s reflection on beauty was poignant, and Msgr Antall’s sermon about Barabbas was very powerful. The one sour note in the issue was the unsigned news brief about Fr. Hans Küng. Such a remarkable man’s death should not serve as an occasion to drag out all the criticism of him. If such editorializing must be included in our diocesan magazine, perhaps it should at least lend the name of a specific person who holds that opinion rather than leaving it unsigned — as if everyone shares this view. — Dr. Patrick Whelan, Corpus Christi Church, Pacific Palisades

Getting serious on homilies

Jorge Garcia • Apr 19, 2021
Thank you for Heather King’s column in the April 23 issue of Angelus. Enough of these insipid homilies that say nothing to anyone. This column should be required reading for all homilists. Post a copy of it in all of the pulpits!  — Jorge Garcia

Need knows no bounds

Eric Searcy • Apr 06, 2021
In response to the letter to the editor from the April 9 issue, “What ‘refugee’ crisis?”: I would like to think, as a Catholic and an America, that we as a faith community and as citizens do not restrict our charity and compassion exclusively to others who share our same beliefs.  Need knows no bounds, and neither should our mercy and care. Mother Teresa didn’t limit her care that way. Neither do Fr. Greg Boyle and Homeboy Industries. Neither was that the spirit of the Statue of Liberty.  In no case is “legality” the criteria. The imperative is compassion. Let’s meet need wherever it presents itself, if we are serious about manifesting Christ in this world. — Eric Searcy

Nobody deserves salvation

Marilyn Boussaid • Mar 30, 2021
Thank you for Greg Erlandson’s fine article on “Easter and the scandal of saving sinners.” This is a very apt reflection for this present time when it’s so common to “demonize” others. It’s good to be reminded that nobody deserves salvation. I liked especially the author's choice of words describing how we are humbled when we remember this truth: he says he is “bowed low.” I agree that I don’t think we are qualified to “affirm” who truly is or isn’t a “regenerate believer.” We don’t know for sure, even after someone has died, what transpired with their last breath, between that person’s soul and our almighty, merciful God. Isn’t that why we pray for the deceased? Thank you for recalling these thoughts to mind during Holy Week.  — Marilyn Boussaid 

What ‘refugee’ crisis?

Maureen Lenicka • Mar 28, 2021
I feel your news brief on Page 5 of the Feb. 26 issue, “Biden lifts historically low refugee limit,” was too political. It is important to use statistics that show the correct numbers. In the month after President Biden took office, encounters with migrants along the southern border went up 28% from the month prior, and 174% from the same time last year. It is also important to keep in mind that many of these supposed “refugees” are crossing our border illegally.  Americans have always welcomed people in desperate need. Why aren’t we helping the Christians leave Africa, where many are being killed? These are refugees. President Trump slowed the influx of migrants to get a hold on the flow. Now, in one month, the borders and aid stations are swamped.  Just because we are Catholic doesn’t mean we can’t help people legally. But what “global crisis” was Susan Gunn, director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, referring to in the article?  — Maureen Lenicka 

SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

To submit by mail, send to Letters, Angelus, 3424 Wilshire Blvd. 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010-2241. Include a telephone number and address. To submit online, click below.

WRITE A LETTER

SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Continue the conversation! We welcome your comments. Anonymous letters, personal attacks, or libellous comments will not be published. Please complete all the required fields in the form below.

  • Contact Information

  • Your Letter

  • Letters must be no more than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for style, brevity, and clarity.
reset button icon

Start your day with Always Forward!

A daily email newsletter to help you better understand the Church and the world.