Letters to the Editor

I appreciate Archbishop Gomez’s liturgical guidelines published on March 13. It is clear that he is taking the COVID-19 crisis seriously and trying to think well about Catholics in Los Angeles. However, the guidelines do not go far enough. Dispensing people from attending mass does not communicate the graveness of the situation. Masses throughout L.A. county should be cancelled for at least two weeks and likely longer. Italy and the state of Maryland have done this. Governor Newsom has put forth new guidelines, so I’m sure the L.A. Archdiocese’s will be updated. In the next several months, the Church needs to lead the way in moral and ethical leadership, prioritizing people no matter what. What makes this virus so dangerous is that people can have it but show no signs of being sick, so they spread it without knowing they have it. When elders or those with health challenges contract it, the situation can quickly turn fatal. The Church must lead the way in protecting the most vulnerable. Elders are having a hard time thinking of themselves as vulnerable and are going about their lives as usual. They are often the most involved parishioners and see worshiping and volunteering as moral obligations they cannot stop. The Church must stop them. I know this firsthand. Last weekend, thanks to the Archbishop’s guidelines, a retreat my father was refusing to miss was canceled. A devout 76-year-old with “underlying issues,” he would not listen to anyone in our family beg him not to go. The final word had to come from the Church. There are lots of creative alternatives, such as Mass for the Homebound. Parishes can send out letters and emails asking people to consider donating online or mailing in offertory donations so that they can keep serving those in need. Stephanie Abraham, Holy Name of Mary Church, San Dimas

The column "Virtue of reality," by Archbishop José H. Gomez is a much needed tool for making good decisions in modern life, where most people are looking for a purpose. Prudence helps us decide the best path to take, according to the word of God. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us this Lent, with prudence in decision making.

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie's Jan. 27 beautiful article "True tolls of the culture of death," and to let you know that the photo used in the article is of my oldest daughter, Annie Morrison, with our first grandson, Titus. Annie is the oldest of our seven children. She is an amazing woman who is married to an amazing husband, Joseph. They are a solid young Catholic family living out His graces and blessings by being open to life. She has always been a true advocate for life from the young age of 7, and has traveled with St. John Neumann parish here in Sunbury, Ohio to the March for Life for over 10 years now. My mom and I organize the bus every year. This year, it was an honor for my mom to touch the Supreme Court steps with her first great grandchild. 😉 -Maria Morrison Galena, Ohio

Please thank Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie for one of the finest pieces I have read on this topic. Depression certainly ensues after many abortions, but I would suggest that most of the time it is a result of the male partner not being willing to fully commit to a permanent relationship with the mother and child.  Most males will say anything to get access to sex, and often change their tune when a pregnancy occurs. I don’t know what Catholic boys are being taught these days in that regard, but it’s as old a story as human history.  Girls often pretend to desire sex in the hope that it will cement the relationship into something more permanent. Then they become pregnant, the male doesn’t step up, and to save their parents shame or out of other fears, they resort to abortion. No wonder they are depressed!  Some straight talk on this dynamic would go a long way toward getting at the real reason for many of these abortions, and I thank Dr. Christie for her insightful contributions to Angelus.   -Constance White, Pasadena

Dear Editor, I really enjoyed the Stefano Rebeggiani's review of "Marriage Story." His Catholic perspective about the movie and marriage itself according to the Bible principles makes a positive impact on a very sad Hollywood movie of our times. Thomas Aquinas once said: “It is clear that offspring is the most essential thing in marriage, secondly fidelity, and thirdly the sacrament; even as to man it is more essential to be in nature than to be in grace, although it is more excellent to be in grace” (Summa Theologiae IIIb:49:3). The correlation with wine makes Stefano's article even more beautiful! I will keep going back to the fountain and nourishing my marriage daily. -Clarissa Cervantes, Marina del Rey

Dear Editor, This is a wonderful article about St. Gregory of Narek. I have read it twice and it brought tears to my eyes both times. I am not Armenian, in fact, I am a Jewish convert to the Catholic faith. Nevertheless, after reading about St. Gregory of Narek in the Angelus, I feel very connected with this Saint. Mercy and unity are two of my passions, so it warmed my heart to learn about St. Gregory's contributions in those areas. Add to that the "prayer of forgiveness" quoted (in Michael Papazian's gracious translation) from the "Book of Lamentation," and how could I help but weep as I read this beautiful article? Thank you! Blessings, Marilyn Boussaid St. James Parish, Redondo Beach