A “stuffer” reflects
I just finished reading the article “Getting Ready for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal” (Southern Cross, January 24). I helped those “stuffers” several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed listening to all those Catholic pioneers. Not only did I feel as though I was helping Bishop Boland, I so much enjoyed the feeling of companionship with these great ladies. Thanks so much for a great newspaper.
Carol Letcher
Savannah
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Another view of dancing
The letter (January 24) from the lady sharing her dismay regarding the dancer pictured in the Southern Cross interested me. I can imagine the shock one might experience seeing such a display in our Western-oriented Christian Churches. I assume the lady in question was not present to actually see the prayer in dance, as had she been there to actually be a part of such prayer, her reaction may have been very different.
Almost 50 years ago, while a student at Grailville in Loveland, Ohio, a remarkable priest from Belgium taught us how to dance prayer. I felt it to be a most freeing experience. I did not have the joy of being part of such prayer until several years ago when a young woman danced to the lovely hymn, “Breath of Heaven,” at my home parish of Saint Matthew’s in Statesboro. I was so touched by that danced prayer that I wept. I rejoiced at the beauty and at the deep reverence of the danced prayer, as well as to a new hope that one day we would do as Psalm 150 exhorts us:
“Praise Him with blast of trumpets, Praise Him with lyre and harp, Praise Him with drums and dancing, Praise Him with strings and reeds, Praise Him with clashing cymbals, Let everything that has breath praise Yahweh!”
Claire Krissinger
Statesboro
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More on Father Teoli
It was with profound sadness that I read of the abuse allegations concerning [the late] Father Robert Teoli (January 17). It is difficult to fathom the pain and suffering of the abuse victims; it is also painful to see the name of a loved and respected priest linked to such allegations. My parents opened their home to the clergy in my youth, and Father Teoli occupies some of my earliest memories of those times. Whether sharing a home-cooked meal, a trip to the movies or the beach, or just providing a change of venue (with eight children we were that), we received much more than we gave. We were able to see these men “off-duty” and realize how much more like us they were than different (a young Father Boland was just as rough on the basketball court as we were!). Friendships were begun that have lasted to this day, and we were provided such powerful role models to emulate. I know I speak for my brothers and sisters in saying those were some of the best times of our childhood, and none of us have anything but wonderful memories to cherish. We offered the hand of friendship, and ended up giving our hearts.
Michael A. Rochefort
Savannah
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