Letters to the Editor

Borrow now

Because some Indigenous people will die before they can benefit from the five-year fundraising plan to raise $30 million for residential school survivors, it would be better for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to borrow the money and fundraise afterwards.

Missing piece

In his favourable review of the biography of Pope Benedict XVI by Peter Seewald (A Thorough Look at Benedict’s Life, Dec. 19), Ian Hunter admits the biography “does not shed much light” on Benedict’s 2013 resignation. To uncover the truth about this historical event requires more than research. The facts would yield only to the most tenacious and painstaking investigative journalism.

Another story

Re: Catholic media must do better on Indigenous file (Dec. 2):

Fr. Raymond de Souza argues convincingly that relying on mainstream media for accurate reporting “is a mistake.” Last May it described the discovery of Indigenous children’s remains at the Kamloops Residential School as a “mass grave.” The terminology was provocative and misleading, suggesting murders with bodies thrown into mass graves. 

Praise earned

Re: Led by the Spirit to joyful encounter (Deacon Robert Kinghorn, Nov. 28):

St. Ignatius of Loyola once said, “Hate what the world seeks and seek what it avoids.” The world avoids the poor and rejected people “on the street.” Yet they are the very ones Deacon Robert Kinghorn seeks out and helps.

Address crimes

The consequences of crimes committed to Indigenous people in Canada, the first owners of land, lakes and rivers, over the last century, must be addressed to all Canadian institutions that were involved in the crimes by being deaf, dumb and blind on the crimes committed, or encouraged the crimes, then, each of them to be charged for the full damage it has done, and Canada to ensure that the crimes committed will never repeat again.

Truth exposed

We take pride in our belief that we are a welcoming and inclusive society. If we examine our language deeper we are faced with the truth that we are not. We were not welcoming or inclusive to the people who are here already before we arrived. The phrase “we are a nation of immigrants” exposes the exclusion of the Indigenous people. The phrase summarized why we are in this tender spot. Their being out of our consciousness resulted in their being out of our society.

What’s next?

The audacity and arrogance of our federal government never ceases to amaze and alarm me. While the government feeds us a consistent rhetoric of care and concern, they are gradually taking away our freedoms. The agenda includes using our tax dollars to support/promote abortion and in many other countries in the world. It is also doing his best to silence the pro-life voice.

Cost saving

Re: Short visit works best (Fr. Raymond de Souza, Nov. 7):

Fr. de Souza is fearful that the costs associated with a reconciliation-oriented papal visit to Canada will divert funds from Catholic-sponsored reconciliation projects. He asserts that the papal visit should be short, structured and shaped by the fiscal priority that “the only solution is not to spend a dime more than necessary.”

Glaring omission

I am glad to know from the news that Pope Francis is coming to Canada as recommended by the TRC. That surely will soothe the emotional and psychological wounds of the Indigenous peoples. However, it is God who heals our brokenness, especially our spiritual wounds.

Helpful solution

The Archdiocese of Toronto recently announced that, as of Oct. 8, it requires “all employees,” including priests, lay ministers and parish volunteers, at “the workplace, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide regular proof of … negative COVID-19 test results.” Essentially it has mandated vaccination but also offered an alternative.