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Letters to the Editor

Women with true authority

Maria Barba • Jul 02, 2024
I enjoyed Elise Italiano Ureneck’s contribution to the June 28 issue “Answering the True Call” because it did two things: remind readers of the impossibility of women’s ordination (recently confirmed by Pope Francis) and lift up the stories of some incredible Catholic women. On the second point, it’s important that the examples she cites from Bronwen McShea’s “Women of the Church” book were women who did things for the Church that men couldn’t, and commanded more spiritual authority and respect than the most of the ordained ministers of their time (priests, bishops, and popes included). None of them fell into the trap of thinking that joining the clergy would make them more effective in their mission. The history of the Church is rich with reminders that advocates of female ordination should be careful what they wish for. —Maria Barba, San Antonio, Texas

A poignant point on chastity

Mac Iver • Jun 18, 2024
Heather King’s bracing review of Bishop Erik Varden’s “Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses” in the May 31 issue makes me all the happier to be an Angelus subscriber. I know of few other writers who penetrate the heart of the Gospels more movingly but with such a lack of sentimentality. She’s funny, too. — Mac Iver, St. Therese, Alhambra

Kicker should have defended all Masses

Judith Seki • Jun 18, 2024
I would like to accent Amy Welborn’s commentary (May 31 issue) with my belief that Harrison Butker missed the point by placing so much emphasis on the Latin Mass. With today’s faltering Mass attendance, his message could have been much stronger if he had emphasized the basic need to attend Mass. He could have parenthetically voiced his preference for the Latin Mass while still stating that the Mass is powerful and necessary in any language. — Judith Seki, San Gabriel

A nuanced kick down the middle

John J. Miller • Jun 03, 2024
Thank you for running Amy Welborn’s perspective on Harrison Butker’s speech in the May 31 issue. It captured many of my own thoughts about a speech that meant well but also was flawed. It’s good to read her nuanced approach in Angelus, especially when there’s so much pressure for everyone to line up on our tribal sides and shout at each other. — John J. Miller is the director of the Dow Journalism Program at Hillsdale College in Michigan

Kicker defended motherhood, not NF

Benedict Lucchese • Jun 03, 2024
Amy Welborn’s op-ed in the May 31 issue is an absurd view of a great speech. Self-awareness? Welborn lacks it when she suggests that because Butker makes millions he does not embody Catholic social values and spirituality. Modern leftists want women working and government raising their children so that children can be indoctrinated at an early age. Butker did not defend his employer, he defended motherhood! I am surprised and disappointed that Angelus printed this opinion piece when Butker’s speech provoked so many positive responses. — Benedict Lucchese, St. Mary Magdalen, Camarillo

Butker spoke the unspeakable

Fritz Baumgartner, M.D. • Jun 03, 2024
Bravo to Harrison Butker for his electrifying commencement address speaking Catholic truth — faithfully and unapologetically.  Our Catholic faith is tolerated only when it is contained and “safe” for the secular culture. But when anyone has the guts to escape their secular-controlled containment, then they are met with a hostility intended to demean and neutralize. It shows how “dangerous” the authentic Christian truth is to the wayward “status quo” of our society.  If people despise Butker’s message, perhaps even within the Church, then it is a sure sign the message has resonated. As Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember it hated me first.”  Pope Francis told the youth to go to the streets, spread the faith, and “go make a mess.” Butker made a true mess of the status quo and is a role model of bravery for us. — Fritz Baumgartner, M.D., Los Angeles

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