Letters to the Editor

I highly commend Angelus for the March 24 tribute issue on Bishop David O’Connell. It is outstanding on your comprehensive coverage of Bishop Dave’s life as a humble Irishman and bishop in Los Angeles, covering his witty, human, family-friendly ministry and God- and Mary-centered life. O’Connell’s spirit, humanity, and Godliness continues to live among us. — Sister Mary Sean Hodges, OP, Partnership for Re-Entry Program (PREP)

Charles Camosy’s “Deciding Who’s In” in the March 10 issue seems to imply that Cardinal Robert McElroy’s recent statements on “radical inclusion” extends a welcome to some people seen as engaging in sinful behavior. McElroy’s point, however, is to propose a reconsideration of how we think of sinful behavior, perhaps especially of the belief that every sexual sin is a mortal sin. As a moral theologian, Camosy should engage with the three main elements of Catholic teaching that ground McElroy’s argument: (1) everyone is wounded by sin and in need of God’s grace and healing; (2) priority of conscience; and (3) the Eucharist as a profound grace in our conversion to discipleship. Unlike Camosy’s proposed “via media,” which does not really resolve the pastoral/doctrinal controversy, McElroy looks for resolution in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the coming sessions of the synodal process. — Robert V. Caro, SJ, Loyola Marymount University

My heart is still in mourning for Bishop Dave. I knew him when I was the director of Faith Formation at St. Andrew Church in Pasadena, and my family has many wonderful memories of him.  What I will always remember is Bishop Dave’s great respect for all those who serve in our ministries. He always made a point to thank us, and cheer us up with a joke when we were weary or discouraged. He inspired our discipline, gave us hope, and appreciated the work we do.  I will also miss seeing Bishop Dave smiling and spending time with our children, especially teens. He always reminded them of the immense love that Mary has for them, and how much Jesus wants to be present in their lives. He would share personal stories of overcoming challenges, and how, through prayer, one can truly experience the healing power and peace of Jesus.  We still pray the prayer he taught us: “Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I adore you. Jesus, come into my heart,” on our way to school every morning!  — Isabel Spillane, Eagle, ID

I found Grazie Christie’s column, “A time to mourn,” in the Feb. 10 issue to be beautifully written.  There is no set formula for grief to our soul! When you love deeply, you grieve deeply! You will eventually get through it at your own unique timing, but never get over your grief — that love is a part of you forever.  God knows your pain, and wipes every tear as a Father who gave his only son for us. He wants us to draw near to him in our time of mourning.  — Cyndie Noteboom

For many years Catholic schools have faced significant enrollment loss. My parish school, with a capacity of 300, enrolls 86 students in TK-8. The idea of microschools presented in the Feb. 24 issue is a wonderful idea, regardless of total school numbers. Giving children the opportunity to be exposed to real-life curricula will serve them well.   However, this plan ignores the reality of offering a Catholic education to a broad spectrum of LA students, many of whom are immigrants or members of working-class families, who simply can’t afford the tuition. How about a plan to open these schools to all of our children and spend energy, creativity, and resources to make that affordable? A 300-seat school with 86 students is not the best use of the facility. Can we do better for our children? — Cheryl Ortega, Los Angeles

In reference to the article “Medicine with meaning” in the Jan. 27 issue of Angelus, the author focuses a lot on more exotic (and expensive) forms of wellness rather than focusing on the simpler aspects of a person’s “whole lifestyle — their diet, work habits, stress, relationships, and physical activity,” as espoused by Dr. John W. Travis. Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we cannot neglect that aspect of our overall health. As for diet, the Standard American Diet (SAD) is an affront to God. We need to do a better job eating healthy and exercising more. This is something we all can do. — David Walter, Downey