Readers Speak Out: May 24, 2020

Needs of faithful

Re: Cautious approach to re-open churches (May 10):

I am very surprised that Canada’s bishops are reluctant to press our government to ease restrictions on churches. 

Every day we hear that not only shops and businesses but also sports facilities are allowed to open, and still no mention about churches. 

We appreciate Masses live-streamed from various churches but there is no substitute for Catholics being able to physically attend and participate in the celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments. 

Bishops in other countries fight very hard to  press their governments to ease restrictions on gatherings in places of worship. Christians across Germany have gathered already at churches. Spain and Italy, countries hardest hit by coronavirus, are beginning to emerge from lengthy and strict lockdowns.

I think that the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops should have taken a more active pathway to express the needs of the faithful. 

StanisLaw Skonieczny,

Toronto

Celebrating Mass

Re: Virtual dangers (May 3):

It’s true that with the COVID-19 crisis there’s a real danger that Catholics will become accustomed to online Masses as the new norm.

Of course, with the Church in lockdown, having spiritual communion via the Internet is the best option and we’re very grateful to those making this possible. Still, it’s no substitute for attending Mass in person to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in unity with other people.

As Pope Francis has said, “the Church is always with the people and with the sacraments.”

So if liquor and beer stores are permitted to be open amid the pandemic then why not the churches? It’s time churches be allowed to re-open and that Mass be celebrated with people in the pews, even if it’s initially done with some restrictions. 

After all, the Mass is truly the most essential of all things.

Claudio Ceolin,

Toronto

Man of action

Re: Dolan blasted for Trump comments (May 10):

Trump is not perfect, nor are we. But as Catholics we should be proud that Trump defends life from conception to natural death.

He put his words into action with many new policies.

Many hate Trump because he is pro-life, but he believes in religious freedom and human rights. He’s against socialism.

He doesn’t believe that America should become another Venezuela. He is neither a globalist nor a member of the One World Government. I wish our Canadian prime minister would have these same values.

Elisabeth Coulombe, SGM,

Edmonton, Alta.

Pandemic roadblocks

I totally agree that Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam should resign immediately.

We health care providers are being affected by people who do not have a clue about front-line workers. We are desperate but the public health chief does not listen.

She has become a deterrent and her actions create roadblocks in the fight against COVID-19, and politicians still do not listen.

Wieslawa Derlatka,

Hamilton, Ont.