Readers Speak Out: December 22, 2019

No more abuse

The reports on abuse in the Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 issues left people wondering if there is nothing else worth reporting on than repeating the same issues in a Catholic newspaper.

Some may think it is good to confess one’s own sins, but reopening the wound will not hasten healing, nor build confidence for those making efforts to amend the problem. Don’t assume that reporting the few heroes in this fight against evil will help, either. 

I really feel sad to say that it is harder and harder for me to understand the mission of The Catholic Register. Is it to align with worldly news media or to help Catholics have deeper faith?

I hope to read news and articles that will help people to get closer to God and pray more before taking proper actions in our sinful world.

Theresa W. Hum,

Toronto 

Holy Christmas

I live in a building that is predominantly Christian, so I couldn’t help but wonder why there are no carols or mangers in Advent. Everything is so commercial and loud, not really Christmas. 

I decided to just keep to the theme of the baby Jesus in the manger, his mother Mary, Joseph, the animals and the three wise men. Then you wrote in your editorial that St. Francis of Assisi had that idea in 1223. Thank you for mentioning this. 

Christmas should be about the Son of God, and not only shopping. It also helps that Pope Francis has also mentioned keeping Jesus central in Christmas.

Virginia Edman,

Toronto 

Improper connections

The Catholic Register is taking an irresponsible approach in its hypersensitivity to the climate-change issue. It’s good and proper to express concern over stewardship of our planet, but incredibly reckless to make direct connections between the horrors of terrorism and climate change. Michael Swan’s coverage of the tragic loss and hardship experienced by Nigerian Victoria Filibus and her nine children under the hands of the murderous Islamic terror group, Boko Haram, is a story that needed to be told. I feel, however, that Swan did this family a disservice by inserting climate bias into a story that is clearly all about Nigerian government corruption and greed, and the blood-lust of one of the world’s most vicious terror organizations. 

Will climate change now becomes The Register’s de facto “root cause” of all of the world’s tragic stories?

Mario Loreto,

Toronto

Misguided initiative

As I read Michael Swan’s article about the ongoing investigation of some partners of Development and Peace, I feel a profound sadness and embarrassment at the misguided initiative of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

Two issues stand out. First, a lack of trust in the laity directing D&P as well as the laity in Haiti and their word. Second is the failure to recognize the clericalism in the entire process which Pope Francis continues to criticize. 

May the Holy Spirit who is both the source and author of mission be our guide.

Fr. Jack Lynch, SFM, 

General Superior, Scarboro Missions