Readers Speak Out: June 13, 2021

More thinking

Re: Fr. Raymond de Souza: Symbols matter (May 27):

Thank you, Father. Yes, just what does the Pride/Rainbow/Progress flag mean? There seems to be an unholy rush to get it up before we figure out what we are buying into here.

I believe most of our educational leaders act from good intentions but in the absence of input from our religious leaders, Cardinal Collins being the notable exception, they are left to rely on the usual talking points that the secular media do a more-than-adequate job of presenting us with.

More talking, more thinking, more questioning. Above all, more confidence our faith has something to say on the issues of the day.

Gilberta Van Houtven,

Guelph, Ont.

Welcome message

The Baroque architect, Bernini, had brilliant acumen when he designed and created the Vatican piazza in the shape of “Welcoming Arms.” The square is a symbol for our beloved Catholic faith which represents Jesus’ thirst for all of humanity. The emphatic message is that all are “welcome and included” into the accepting arms of Mother Church.

The trustees in the Toronto Catholic District School Board missed a poignant opportunity to follow this 2,000-year-old true Christian dogma of a merciful God who loves all of His creations. The decision to fly the rainbow flag in June, on the surface, was with good intention: to foster inclusion, compassion and acceptance.

But in reality, when institutions focus on one particular group of people or another, other groups begin to feel alienated, abandoned and “not special.”

Which group will be next in demanding to be represented with a flag of its own? It would have been wiser if the trustees had reaffirmed our Canadian flag which is a symbol of unity, “From Sea to Sea.” Or better still, they could fly the flag of Jesus’ Sacred Heart. This would emphasize Jesus’ immeasurable compassion and love for all.

Anne Marie Manna Peter,

Toronto

More action

Like many of my Catholic acquaintances, I am both disappointed and angry at the Church leaders’ tepid response to the discovery of the children’s burial site at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. 

They seem oblivious to the enormous backlash against the Church from Indigenous people, the Truth and Reconciliation commissioners, ordinary Canadians and the media, all of whom are calling for actions, not just words, from the Church. It’s high time for the institutional Church to do what it has always expected of individual sinners — confession, repentance and amendment. Amendment would include the immediate implementation of all the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that are directed to the churches.

John Williams,

Ottawa

Path to Heart

Re: Heart speaks to heart (May 30):

In his May 30 article, Cardinal Collins encourages devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Towards this goal three methods are recommended. The first is to display an image of the Sacred Heart in Catholic homes, workplaces and schools. The second is to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart, noting the beauty of such phrases as “burning furnace of charity,” “desire of the everlasting hills” and “delight of all the saints.” The third is to read the autobiography of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) in which she describes the treasures and secrets of the Sacred Heart revealed to her in prayer.

Lise Anglin,

Toronto