southerncross.diosav.org - Letters to the Editor

Letters February 7, 2008

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:39:47 -0600

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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February 7, 2008

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:54:57 -0600

Perplexed
I’m “The Perplexed Catholic.” (I recall this was a book title some years ago.) I’ve read the statement signed by Bishops Gregory and Boland (see the Southern Cross, January 17), and I’m perplexed by their stance. Why do they feel that “the approach taken by HR 536 to amend the state constitution does not provide a realistic opportunity for ending or reducing abortion in Georgia?” What is it about this amendment that does not met their needs? What language would there be in a proposed U.S. constitutional amendment that does not exist in this bill? Is there even a proposed U.S. constitutional amendment on the drawing board now?
Is this objection based on the belief that we should “go for broke” and accept nothing less than a nationwide definition of “personhood”? If that’s the case, we’re betting against the odds. There are still active amendments out there, waiting for approval by the required number of state legislatures, with proposal dates going back to 1789. That’s not a misprint—that’s an amendment proposed just 13 years after the Revolutionary War began. Some of the more recent proposed amendments are the Equal Rights and the DC Voting Rights Amendments. These have since expired but date from the 1970s, a paltry 30 years ago. Why don’t we pick the easy fruit first and attack this problem one state at a time?
Bill Trammell
Evans
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Why not?
In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul urges, “that all of you agree in what you say...that you be united in the same mind...”(1:10). The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception” (2270). Why then, have Georgia’s two bishops declined their endorsement of House Resolution 536 amending the Georgia constitution to protect all stages of life? If Roe v. Wade is overturned by the Supreme Court, the decision will be left to our state court, which will interpret our state constitution including the amendment of HR 536 under which all life is protected! If nothing else, it’s a united statement defending life.
By withholding their endorsements of HR 536, Bishop Boland and Archbishop Gregory do nothing but validate and embolden the pro-choice sentiment of the “cafeteria” Catholics within our ranks causing the faithful, who still remain obedient to the apostolic authority of the bishop, to plead “Why have you forsaken us?” Saint Paul, pray for us.
Amy Peduto
Augusta

Divisive deception
David B. Conner’s letter in the January 3, 2008 issue of the Southern Cross gives the false impression that there is a moral equivalence between intrinsic evils and those social issues which permit differences in prudential judgment. A Catholic, especially one with his credentials, should not engage in the mischief of allowing political ideology to trump or distort Catholic moral theology.
By using the word, “challenged,” in connection with the Democrats and Republicans, Mr. Conner attempted to promote moral confusion by equating the Catholic Democrat politicians’ support of intrinsic evils, i.e. “abortion, homosexuality (sic), same-sex ‘marriage,’ etc.,” which faithful Catholics may never support or vote for, with questions of war, capital punishment, national security and economic issues about which faithful conscientious Catholics may disagree.
The distinction is made very clear in “Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion. General Principles” by then-Cardinal Ratzinger, in which he says, “There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion and euthanasia.”
Catholic commentators should never give the mistaken impression of a moral equivalency by mingling intrinsic evils with issues open to legitimate differences in prudential judgment, without proper clarification.
Paul W. Rosenthal
Augusta
Honesty in immigration issues
After reading a commentary [by Mary Hood Hart] in the January 24 Southern Cross, I feel compelled to comment on attempts to define the terms so as to minimize or misrepresent the issue. The editorial headline—“Learning to Appreciate Immigrants”—implies that American citizens do not appreciate immigrants. I doubt that’s true—what American citizens don’t appreciate are illegal immigrants. Likewise, terming illegal aliens as “undocumented workers” makes it sound as though there has simply been an administrative error somewhere! That is not true either. The term “illegal” is legally and otherwise accurate as the person it describes is in this country illegally. Perhaps they were smuggled into the United States, or maybe they slipped across the border to evade U.S. immigration laws. As a retired Federal law enforcement agent, I have not had the luxury of looking at the world through rose-colored glasses…especially after 9/11. Immigration laws in our country—as in all countries in the world—are vitally necessary and should be enforced. However, I do believe our immigration policies and entry programs (work visas, etc.) need to be revised and probably broadened. Likewise, a humane, compassionate and realistic approach in dealing with the vast numbers of illegal aliens already in the U.S. has to be formulated in a bipartisan manner and implemented. I think all citizens should encourage their senators and representatives to do just that. In the meantime, however, please do not try to politically “spin the issue” by using terms which are not accurate and minimize criminality. That is wrong and an insult to all immigrants who have entered our country legally.
Richard Hayden
Albany
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Father Teoli
With sad interest I read in the Southern Cross the request for any additional [allegations of] misconduct, if any, on the part of Father Robert Teoli to be brought forth, 27 years after his death.
I don’t know whether Father Teoli was guilty or not of misconduct. I do know that what was acceptable often times in the past is not necessarily acceptable today. In frequenting parish schools as we priests did; weekly altar boy practices and assignments; annual school outings and altar boy trips; almost nightly, so it seems, parish and inter-parish youth events, children and youth showed great affection toward their priests and vice versa. Today, some demonstrations of affection on the part of either might be construed otherwise. We are all products of our environment, background and the times in which we live and are not to be judged by future-day mores. As an example, teachers today could not ‘get away with’ what was allowed teachers in the past. This is not to imply that everything done in the past was right, good or proper.
Finally, I am shocked that the bishops of this country are so callous as to be willing to dig up their dead priests and have them defenselessly subjected to accusations. Yes, I do sympathize with those who were compromised; but in some cases, as has been shown elsewhere, the priest himself has been, at times, falsely accused and condemned. And what of present and future aspirants to the priesthood? Maybe if they do not see present ecclesial support for priests, living and deceased, they need to rethink their own call and allow the vocational shortage in this country to continue and even worsen. Enough is enough!
Father Lawrence A. Lucree
Andersonville
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Global warming
I was shocked to see the name of the article on January 24 by Father Herbert Weber (in “Faith Alive” from Catholic News Service) purporting that our Holy Father has written a letter on global warming. I read this article twice and never does he quote anything from Pope Benedict that says one word on global warming. In fact, there are only two short quotes from the pope in the entire article. This is clearly one man’s opinion expressed, since from reading this article it is clear what Father Weber believes about global warming.
It in no way incidates what our Holy Father thinks about global warming. The pope’s letter is a timely one and one which all countries, developed or undeveloped, need to heed. But please let's not put words into the mouth of the Vicar of Christ that he did not say. There is enough of that in the secular media.
Roxanna Mills
Augusta
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Week of Ocotber 25, 2007

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:09:35 -0500

Peter’s Pence
Editor’s note: Bishop J. Kevin Boland has received the following letter from the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States:
With sincere gratitude I wish to acknowledge receipt of the check in the amount of $44,977.37, representing the Peter's Pence contribution from the Diocese of Savannah for 2007, which you had forwarded this past month to the Apostolic Nunciature.
As I assure you that this sum will be duly transmitted to the Secretariat of State on your behalf, permit me to offer an initial word of appreciation in the name of the Holy Father for this valuable assistance. In addition to sharing in the material responsibilities facing Pope Benedict XVI, this expression of generosity by your people reveals their deep awareness of the bonds of faith, hope, and love which they share with the Universal Church and God's people, especially the poor, throughout the world.
May God, who is infinitely generous, reward you and continue to bless you and the faithful under your pastoral care.
With prayerful regards, I am
Archbishop Pietro Sambi
Washington
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Week of July 19, 2007

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:17:22 -0500

Waffling on immigration

I was talking with my friend, Joe Ladensack, about his letter that appeared in the May 31 issue of the Southern Cross. I tend to agree with both sides of the issue, if such is possible. It is tragic the number of accidents in neighboring Glynn Co. that have resulted from unlicensed drivers with Hispanic surnames; that information is in the newspaper articles about the accidents. However, on the other side of the immigration issue, I wonder if all the poor Hispanics who come to Nativity of Our Lady's yard sales are here legally; I practice my Spanish as the adults shop, and I admire their children. So, I completely waffle on the immigration issue.

We are a country of laws, and immigrants should be admitted in an orderly way. But I wouldn't want to be the one to send back a hard-working immigrant who risked everything to get here to better himself or herself.

What economic pressures can we as a country exert on Hispanic and Caribbean heads of state to stop encouraging illegal emigration and to create incentives to improve life-styles in their own countries?

Marie Schoettle
Darien
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In tribute

Last week (June 23), as I watched Bishop J. Kevin Boland ordain four new priests, I also listened to Mrs. Joseph Schreck at the organ and leading the choir.

My mind went back fifty-seven years when Patty played for my ordination. Twenty-five years later she came to Saint Michael’s at Tybee Island to play for my Silver Jubilee. She brought part of the Cathedral choir for a Gregorian Mass. Even 25 years later she returned to Tybee for my Golden Jubilee. In those intervening years her two sons Christopher and Gerry were ordained for our diocese.

How humbly grateful I am to Patty for her great services to me. I don’t think any other priest has had the honor of the services of such a kind and talented friend and musician.

Someday, I’m sure someone more eloquent than I will extol Mrs. Joseph Schreck for her inspiring love for the church and her praise of almighty God through music.

Father Thomas Payne
Saint Simons Island
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Continuing education

As we are completing our immersion course of study in Spanish at SEPI (the Southeast Pastoral Institute for Hispanic Ministry) in Miami, we thought it would be a good idea to write a letter home to our diocese and parishes, to let them know what priests do on their continuing education excursions. Three weeks is a long time away from a parish for a pastor, but nothing has been wasted on our adventure into the study of Hispanic language and ministry.
Last night we had dinner with various Hispanic families. Going to their homes, we were immersed in their journeys as immigrants and refugees to our country, how they got here from Cuba, Nicaragua and Mexico. The morning and afternoon were filled with classes studying grammar, practicing the proper use of the simple past tense of verbs, learning how to accent words correctly when speaking, and amazing one another with our growing vocabulary. In the evenings we have cultural presentations—the other night we heard a lecture on the history and culture of Columbia.

Father Bob enjoyed being the main celebrant at Mass today, even as he stumbled through giving his first homily in Spanish. Father Tom is more familiar with the language, so when he gave his homily the day before, he was more extemporaneous, speaking in Spanish sentences and then translating as he went along. Still, both of us find it very challenging, preparing homilies to preach every other day, while keeping up with all the classes.

The staff and volunteers of SEPI are wonderfully hospitable and helpful for our studies, helping us to keep speaking Spanish even at our meals and prayers together. The accommodations are like a first class retreat center.

We are most grateful for this learning experience and wanted to share it. We want to express special thanks to Bishop Kevin Boland and the diocesan office of Hispanic ministry for sending us and allowing us to deepen our knowledge and skills for ministry with Hispanics.

Father Bob Cushing
Father Tom Healy

Miami
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Week of May 10, 2007

Thu, 10 May 2007 12:44:30 -0500

Influenza
Re: Rita Delorme’s article on the influenza outbreak in 1918-1919 (April 12). Over 600,000 Americans died in a short period, mainly young adults, and families could not quickly obtain caskets to bury their dead. Rita’s 35-year-old maternal grandfather died in Savannah; my 32-year-old paternal grandmother died in Lexington, Kentucky. Death and fear were widespread and many children lost at least one parent. The significance and suffering of this deadly outbreak is given scant recognition today.
Lee Self
Lyons
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Bilingual Mass reflections
I would like to answer Ana Gonzalez (April 26). Her mother came to visit from Mexico and got mad because the Mass she was attending on Holy Thursday was said just 50% in Spanish.
When I came with my family legal to the United States we didn’t speak English. Our daughter was six years old at the time and she had to go to school three days after we arrived. We didn’t expect, demand or get mad because there was no bilingual teacher at the school to talk German to her. We all went to Mass and didn’t understand a word, but we didn’t expect, demand or get mad because the Mass was not said in German. My parents came over from Germany for a visit and we all went to church. They didn’t understand a word, but they didn’t expect, demand or get mad because the Mass was not said in German. We go to Mexico on vacation for some time. We go to Mass there on Sundays, but we don’t expect, demand or get mad because the Mass is not said in English. We just enjoy being in the house of God and celebrating the Eucharist with our brothers and sisters. After all, isn’t that what it is all about?
Anneliese Brandenburg
Rincon
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Accommodating special needs
A recent letter expressed concern over a lack of options for Mass for the author’s mother who skipped Good Friday services due to a language barrier. Perhaps the question can be asked: are we truly meeting the needs of all of our church members who may require special services? Such examples include a person who speaks a foreign language, one who is deaf or blind, one who has a mental illness or mental retardation, to name a few. Even young children and the elderly may experience the Mass differently because of age-related issues. Our priests and lay ministers of the diocese are the best in the country and provide outstanding services to the majority of the parishioners. I know that efforts are made in general to meet the needs of those in the minority as described above; however, I am sure that specific concerns by the families of these individuals would be welcomed and accommodated as able if brought to the respective church leadership. The goal is to include all of our brothers and sisters in being as active in a parish as possible regardless of special needs but this may require some creativity and communication.
E. Grace Yrizarry
Grovetown
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Latin for multilingual groups?
I read with interest our sister Ana Gonzalez’s concerns, expressed in her letter published in the April 26, 2007, issue of the Southern Cross, regarding whether there can be found true inclusivity in a bilingual Mass. In the apostolic exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis (“The Sacrament of Love”), Pope Benedict XVI suggests that “the better-known prayers of the Church’s tradition should be recited in Latin and, if possible, selections of Gregorian chant should be sung” at Masses for multilingual congregations.
Deacon Dennis Arcand, sfo
Kathleen
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Week of April 5, 2007

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:44:07 -0500

Remarkable event
I pray that this letter will adequately express just how powerfully impacted I was by a remarkable event in our area on last Sunday, March 25, 2007.
About 500 persons gathered at 3:00 in the afternoon just across from the famous “Callaway Gardens” in Pine Mountain, Harris County, Georgia, for the dedication of the lovely new “Christ the King” Catholic Church by Bishop Kevin Boland of Savannah.
Apart from being a magnificent structure and credit to architects and builders alike, the dedication ceremony had to be one of the most uplifting and fulfilling religious experiences of my seventy years.
When his Excellency, Bishop Boland, took off his celebration robes, rolled up his sleeves (literally) and poured virgin olive oil on the great wooden altar (a tribute to the adjoining forests) my heart leapt for joy. My senses were awakened as he also ladled aromatic incense into a flaming pot of coals and created a cloud of very sweet smelling smoke in the church, reminiscent of the “Shekina” or Holy Cloud in which God himself led Israel out of slavery into the Promised Land.
All of this meaningful ritual came after a moving rendition, a verbal “portrait”, by the Bishop, of the persons who had made this day possible, from the pioneering Father Larry Lucree, present for the service, through all of the dedicated parishioners, up to Father John “Ronnie” Madden (the “retired” Navy Captain) whose amazing fund raising skill has the church debt free at dedication; and, of course, the ubiquitous Sister Philomena (the unofficial “pastor” for many years) who literally “gave her life” for this church.
My prayer is that this church will grow and prosper beyond all expectations, and that we might do something similar in Russell County, in the not too distant future.
Rev. Tom Weise
Phenix City, Alabama
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Fond memories
I was so happy to read the article about our beloved “Father Joe” Dean. Having met Father Joe for the first time in 1973, this young Northern transplant to Hazlehurst, Georgia, can confirm that everything that was written about him is true. Father Joe had the warmest personality and smile to go with it. He made everyone feel welcome and people of all races and nationalities entered our church doors. He never met a stranger and everyone in the community knew him on a first name basis. There was no one else like Father Joe!
I am proud to say that he baptized both of my children and started them on their faith journey. My faith has been deepened through the years because of knowing him.
We have had many pastors at Good Shepherd Catholic Church since 1973, and I must say that I think we have come full circle. Today, our little church, though enlarged and beautified in recent years, still invites people of all nationalities and races to enter our doors and experience the love it offers. As our former pastor, Father Lorenzo Garcia, once said, “This is what heaven is like!”
Ann Bookhardt
Denton
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Week of January 25, 2007

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 13:32:44 -0600

Madame Speaker
Madame Speaker Pelosi can appear to be such a nice person. The feature story in the January 11, 2007 Southern Cross presents a benign if not favorable perspective and a positive review of her public life. This is in spite of the fact that Nancy Pelosi is a long standing, unrepentant and hardened abortion advocate. She remains defiant in the face of bedrock Catholic doctrine and repeated admonitions.
On page two of the same issue is the story of Archbishop Stanislaw Wielgus who has resigned after admitting that he had cooperated with Poland’s communist era secret police. One bishop assumes his guilt while another is coalescing with a brazen though popular apostate.
The faithful seek to know, which way is it? Can we do our own thing and be alright with that? Is it permissible to pick and choose the articles of faith with which we agree and dismiss inconvenient others? Or is it only the influential well connected who can repudiate cannon law with impunity?
It is no wonder that the culture ignores the Church’s moral pronouncements. Our bishops have great difficulty speaking with any moral authority in light of such serious contradictions and thus are reduced to irrelevance in the public debate.
The Southern Cross should use more discretion in selecting articles or risk complicity in consent to error even if they are from the Catholic News Service. It is discouraging that so many nominal Catholics who have risen to positions of influence have such low regard for the Faith. In reality it would be more accurate for them to be known as anti-catholic.
Perhaps the Southern Cross could do another story on Madam Speaker Pelosi’s history in pro-abortion politics, her anti labor union activities and substandard pay policies for the undocumented alien workers at her California vineyard.
Thomas McGinley
Albany
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“She gets half?”
Regarding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: How in the world do you allow such an article in our diocese newspaper? She is opposed to all Catholic teaching that is not up for debate and having any political significance. “I think she gets half of catholic social teaching” and “The half she gets she gets well” would make an uniformed person think she's right half the time! She couldn't be more wrong as a Catholic. Your paper should be telling people she should not receive communion! She is against any restrictions on abortion and wants to expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research—you do know “embryos” are people I hope. She wants homosexuals to have all of the rights of married couples. None of these subjects are up for debate among Catholics. Oh, but she thinks we should stop the death penalty and raise the minimum wage—all topics Catholics can properly disagree, on but she gets a “half right” from your newspaper?! I thought I belonged to a real Catholic diocese. This is the kind of stuff that allowed the sex abuse scandal to get where it is. I’m just back from Iraq last week and looked forward to being able to practice my faith in a real Catholic community / diocese. Your article disappoints me terribly. In the future please use your position to educate us to the truth rather than this kind of malarkey. It is Satan’s business to twist the truth and confuse God’s people.
Colonel Jeff Terhune
Columbus
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Kudos
We have moved but continue to receive the Southern Cross in New York. Your recent commentary, “Desperately Seeking Justice” (January 11) is great! I have followed the case for some time for professional as well as personal reasons.
I have been in regulatory affairs for many years as well as played Lacrosse at the University of Georgia from 1979-81. I know first hand how the legal system can work for as well as against someone. Thanks for cutting through the clutter and bringing to light that we have a responsibility to judge not our fellow man for we too will be judged by a higher authority some day.
Michael Breslin
Delhi, NY
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Week of December 7, 2006

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:34:07 -0600

601 E. Liberty Street
Savannah, GA 31401-5196
Fax: 912-234-5726
SouthernCross@diosav.org

We welcome your letters. They must include the writer’s name, address and daytime telephone number for verification purposes. All letters are subject to editing. Preference will be given to letters of fewer than 200 words. Letters published do not necessarily reflect the views of the Southern Cross or of the Diocese of Savannah.

Heartbreaking article
I read with sorrow the heartbreaking article on Dariusz Zurek written by friend Mariusz Fuks (November 16). Their names being so similar, how odd—until you read they were from Poland. I hope Mariusz is continuing to cope with the loss of his friend. A loss for us all as we are so in need of priests. Right now in Waynesboro we are need in one. May God bless and continue to heal. In Christ’s name.
Exie Boudreaux
Waynesboro
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Dismayed by letter
My wife and I were quite dismayed by the recent letter from the bishops concerning immigration (November 23). My wife, as a naturalized citizen from the Philippines, who processed through the legal procedures, we are concerned as to why anyone would reward the breaking of a law. Additionally, why must you cheapen my wife’s attainment of her citizenship with advocating a path to citizenship for illegal aliens?
We will feed, clothe, administer to their medical needs and give them a bed to sleep in but then we will call the proper authorities to return them to the country they came from. By acting in this manner we feel that we have fulfilled our roles as Christians and as law abiding citizens.
We feel that the bishops are actually promoting a political policy and if they can do that in America why can’t they promote policies in the country of origin of these illegal aliens. These policies should advocate employment and equal access to jobs with livable wages. We believe that this would better serve mankind because the countries would be stronger and freer which would be better for the world in general.
We were against amnesty in the 80s and we are still against it now. If the bishops feel this is not being Christian, so be it. Until they answer our concerns with solid reasoning for rewarding unlawful behavior our opinion will remain the same.
Wayne Whiting
Quitman
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Week of November 9

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:17:14 -0600

“Church ahead of the times!”
People often say that the Church is behind the times, when in actuality, the Church has always been far ahead, as proven by the finding at the Committee of Marriage and Families. How rich is our faith! And what a wonderful gift John Paul II has left us in his teachings about family, marriage, love and sexuality. If each and every married couple would truly understand what Familiaris Consortio teaches, as quoted by Bishop J. Kevin Boland in his editorial “Why isn’t it good to live together before marriage?” (October 26) the blessings would be immeasurable. Maybe teens need to start hearing this message before they go off to college and into the world so that they do not make those mistakes that lead to unfulfilling relationships, those that lead them astray and provide them a false sense of love and stability.
Michelle Migone
Augusta
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What kind of Catholic?
The letter of Bob Maner (October 19) is full of stereotypes, slogans and confusion of notions; it should not be left unanswered.
He complained that no. 6 of Pope Leo’s encyclical (Rerum Novarum) was left out in your article. Number six would require a separate article. Here, because of scarcity of space, we should briefly explain that we have to distinguish the notion of the Church as a supernatural, spiritual reality and the church as a group of people. The Church in its teaching must preserve and proclaim the teaching of Jesus Christ as it was handed by the apostles, Tradition, and magisterium. In this aspect, the Church is free, independent, and “obeys only her direction and wishes.” The doctrine of the Church does not fluctuate according to current politics, fashionable philosophy or cultural trends. Also, the canon law defining the discipline in the Church is based on Divine Revelation, ecclesiology and moral theology and not on secular trends, which so often are manipulated by politics of some strong and influential groups of interest.
Then, there are the people, members of the Church—all kinds of people, bad and good, like in any other society. Some are holy and faithful and others are at odds with the moral or doctrinal principles of the Church. It is not the Church’s fault that some do not live up to its standards, it is their free choice and responsibility.
The people of the Church are also citizens of this country with all unalienable rights and duties. They have to respect the civil laws as far as these laws are morally sound and just. Not all the laws are good laws, even if they claim to be “a will of the people.” Not everything that is “lawful” or “legal” is automatically good, e.g., Nazi concentration camps, gulags in Communist countries, slavery in America were at certain times perfectly legal but few people today would argue that they were OK. Catholics are not only passive subjects of the laws but also, as citizens, have the right to evaluate them and to use the democratic process to change them, if they judge them to be oppressive, defective or not respectful of human dignity.
He wrote, “It does not mean that the Catholic Church can violate or advocate violation of the laws of the people of the U.S.” The Catholic Church enjoys Constitutional freedom in proclaiming its doctrine and moral teaching and is free to obligate its members to obey “rather God than men” like other churches, religions, and minority groups in this country.
It is intellectually insincere to say that “the church has no regard for civil law in any matter, whether it be illegal immigration, child abuse, harboring and/or abetting a criminal before, during, or after the fact.” It is a typical propaganda trick and over simplification. The Church is much more developed and discretional in its doctrine but some of the members of the Church have not been consistent with it in their life. Maybe those bad Catholics thought that they “have the right to freedom of and from religion”?
He wrote, “The Indians were here; the English were the immigrants. Now the U.S. citizens are here, the Mexicans, et al., are the invaders...” English = immigrants, Mexicans = Invaders? Fine comparison, except that the Mexicans, et al., do not come here with their troops and do not try to kill our the citizens. They usually take the most humble and heavy works for very low payment.
“Why they are coming?” – he asked. He did not give any honest answer but generated more questions. “Is not the Catholic Church a strong influence in Latin America?” he asked. The Catholic Church does not have much influence in political, social and economic matters in Latin America., The governments and reach people are very secularized, liberal and usually anti-Catholic.
Another historical stereotype contains the following sentence: “You may not be aware of this, but when the Spanish and the Church came to South and Central America and Mexico they did not move the Indians, they killed them.” If things were so simple then a fortiori we could say the same about the English in North America. They were mostly Protestants with their preachers, so we could blame the Protestant Churches. Why not?
The Spanish, English, Portuguese, French troops did not represent the Catholic Church or any church, they represented civil governments and were sent by their respective kings. By the way, why in North America the Indians were almost exterminated and the Black people were discriminated against until the sixties of last century while in Central and South America the colonists and locals mixed together forming an interracial majority?
Well, those who represented, to certain extent, the Catholic Church were priests, religious brothers and sisters. They came with the “pilgrims” but did not carry arms to kill anybody. They preached the word of God, organized schools and hospitals for the locals.
He concluded with a slogan, “You are on the wrong side of history, wrong side of law, and wrong side of American people.” I remember that the Communists and Nazi also were telling some people, “you are on wrong side of history.” I hope, there are still better educated people than the author of the letter, the laws are amendable and most of Americans have not lost common sense.
Rev. Jozef Musiol, sds
Savannah
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Insulting ad?
The October 19, page 11 ad is an insult to diocesan Catholics who aren’t left-wing liberal extremists as are some U.S. Catholic clergy. The Southern Cross shouldn’t be a political forum.
Kofi Annan, an African, was the UN administrator for the Rwanda area when that massacre occurred. As UN Secretary-General, he could do nothing to stop Darfur. And now Sudan has expelled the UN envoy.
The UN agonized over sanctions against North Korea and still has not sanctioned Iran for violating the nuclear ban. Iran, the country whose leader has stated that Israel must be eliminated. Haven’t seen any full page ads from the Publisher or Editor condemning those remarks.
If the UN can’t, or won’t attempt to, stop the Darfur genocide, how is President Bush supposed to? The liberals are ranting and raving about our presence in Iraq, they would never condone the 150,000 or more troops Darfur would require. African nations, most with their own problems, have turned a blind eye toward Darfur.
The UN, because of the number of member nations, is unable to do anything meaningful. It would probably implode if the U.S. stopped its contribution of 27% of the annual UN budget.
Roger D. Haneline
Savannah
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Week of October 5, 2006

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 10:09:52 -0500

We welcome your letters. They must include the writer’s name, address and daytime telephone number for verification purposes. All letters are subject to editing. Preference will be given to letters of fewer than 200 words.
Letters published do not necessarily reflect the views of the Southern Cross or of the Diocese of Savannah.

Federal agents vilified?
As a Catholic, I am proud that the Catholic Social Services is contributing food to the Illegal Aliens of the Stillmore community. As a law abiding American, I am also grateful that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency is protecting our Nation from people intent on violating the laws of our great country. God surely does not condone lying, cheating, or violating legal values. Mexico has rules about legally entering their country which are more strict than the American laws. Americans must show respect to the wishes of our southern neighbors. But, illegal aliens must also show respect for the rules/laws of our Nation.
The article about the ICE storm in Vol. 82, No. 32 Thursday, September 21, 2006 of the Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Savannah was written in a manner that vilified the Federal Agents carrying out their responsibilities for the people of America that cannot protect themselves from being over-run with people intent on breaking laws and cutting in the lawful immigration line of our country. These agents were not “assaulting” the illegal aliens by arresting the 100 undocumented workers. These agents were enforcing the long established rules of the of the USA. I value the American rules of law because they allow me to practice my Catholic faith without persecution in a state where my family can hope for not only freedom, but protection from foreign entities intent on doing harm.
While these illegal poultry processing persons were likely not intent on causing the same level of destruction leveled on September 11, 2001, they were breaking the published laws of the land. I recognize that these people come from a country (likely Mexico) that does not respect or protect its citizens in a way that allows them to provide adequate food and housing. It is our duty as Catholics to encourage benevolence in our country and abroad. It is our responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. However, it is not our place as Catholics to encourage illegal activity or to degrade legal law enforcement efforts.
I encourage Catholics to contribute to the Catholic Social Services Disaster Relief Fund so that illegal aliens may maintain a proper diet until they are legally and humanely returned to their rightful place in the immigration line. I encourage these foreign visitors to pursue legal avenues to gain work in this country. As a Catholic, American, and member of the law enforcement community, I do not wish for our Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Savannah to use its’ “bully pulpit” to abrade the efforts of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.
David Quebedeaux
Augusta
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Offended by account
I am writing to tell you how offended I was by your account about the raid on the trailer court in Stillmore. I believe when one reads the diocesan paper one should expect to read an unbiased, factual report when a story purports to be a news story. I think the key to your report is found in the second paragraph. These people were not simple law abiding Americans.
No matter how thin you slice the salami it remains salami. The same is true of criminals. My unabridged dictionary says criminals are those who break the law. I went further and consulted a distinguished graduate of Ave Maria Law school who is now a member of a respected law firm. He informed me that in the U.S. the legal definition of a criminal is one who has been convicted of breaking a law by a court of law. So technically illegal Mexicans are not criminals. In point of fact they broke the law to get here, they know they broke the law and their actions indicate they plan to continue to break the law. I wonder how you would have written the story if 120 drug dealers had been apprehended? I am not comparing these illegals to drug dealers but I can’t help but wonder who decides which lawbreakers are “good guys “ and which are the “bad guys.” It is obvious you have made your decision. In doing so I don’t think it was necessary to use such incendiary terms as “assault.” Yes, there was a raid but from the details given I don’t see how it was an assault. I also fail to see what human rights were violated. Those same tactics are used against our citizens every day. Furthermore I don’t see how lawbreakers can expect to be treated with tender love and care. You thought maybe the ICE should have awarded each of them “good citizenship awards”? I am not Hispanic and I am not prejudiced against Hispanics! Nevertheless I can’t help but wonder how those thousands of Hispanics who are here by playing by the rules feel about those who attempt to shortcut the system and give a bad name to the entire Hispanic community.
I think it must be another slap in the face to have a representative of their church support lawbreakers attempting to by-pass the system they had to use to become respected members of our communities.
Donald Fox
Warner Robins
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Enforce immigration laws
There were several articles in the Southern Cross during September discussing the crackdown on illegal workers in Stillmore, Georgia. I hope and pray that the extreme and passionate rhetoric used in these articles has not destroyed the ability to discuss this problem with a tone of civility.
My own views on illegal aliens changed significantly last year due to an experience at work. As a government inspector for construction projects in the Atlanta area I discovered that the legally documented Mexican masons were not being paid the proper overtime rate on one of my construction projects. After several interviews and a long process I was able to get them properly paid for their previous work. During the interview process with the workers I learned that they were willing to assist my investigation and stand up for their rights only because they had legal status.
All of them had previous experience as illegal workers before getting their green cards. They related the abuses they suffered from basically slavery (they had to work free for weeks or months in a lengthy “interview” process); to being paid less than minimum wage; to having to provide a 15-20 % kickback for being paid in cash; to outright physical abuse. In some cases their own employers would call the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on payday morning to avoid paying the workers. These workers convinced me that the only way to protect the rights and dignity of our migrant workers is to insist that they have legal documentation. This way they can come out of the shadows, stand up for their rights, and be afforded legal protection.
There are basically only two ways to provide this protection. One way is to provide some sort of legal documentation to those currently here. This idea appears to have found favor with our Bishops and is known as “comprehensive reform” by its’ advocates and “amnesty” by its opponents. The real problem with this approach is that it has already been tried. This approach is indistinguishable from the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act. This was a complete failure of the Reagan Administration that led directly to the flood of illegal immigration that is currently estimated to be 11-25 million people.
The other approach is to insist that our government take seriously its civic and moral duty to enforce our immigration laws and deport everyone who is here illegally. This approach has also been tried. In 1953 the Eisenhower Administration launched “Operation Wetback” that deported 3.8 million illegal immigrants to Mexico. Several surprising things happened in this tremendously successful operation. First, many illegal immigrants left of their own will and did not wait to be caught. Second, the employers who depended on migrant workers had enough political power that the guest worker program was fixed in weeks rather than months or years. For over ten years there was not a significant illegal immigration problem following this one time enforcement.
Finally, in reviewing all of the articles I am very thankful that the Savannah Diocese provided assistance in food, counseling and shelter to the familes caught in the ICE crackdown in Stillmore. I am also very thankful for the professional actions of the ICE agents in arresting and deporting the illegal immigrants in Stillmore. Both were acts of social justice that responded to the five basic principles on immigration listed in the September 28 edition of the Southern Cross.
Brian A Doak
Hahira

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September 7, 2006

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 14:30:25 -0500

Clarification
I have read the [story in your] paper from Glenmary Challenge about us (July 20), and now we have a letter from Hodge Andrews, stating that we refused Hispanics the use of the community house for a church. I would like to set the record straight.
Father Vic or whoever was here at the time was told they could pick two Sundays a month, let us know which ones, but they never did. They only used it a few times after that. The town does not provide churches for any race or denomination. The two churches that refused the use of their building were not [acting on behalf of] the city. Each church takes care of its own.
The community house is used for reunions, birthday parties, showers, elections, family affairs, etc. We do not want every Sunday to be used by one group only. It isn’t fair to the rest of the community.
You see, there are two sides to the story. You only printed one side and it makes the people look bad. You aimed at the city government for not providing a church. That is not the responsibility of the city.
[Glenmary has] all of this on the internet so anyone can see it and condemn us. I hope it makes you feel good but we know the facts.
Mayor Marilyn M. Slater
Stillmore
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Recipe for a holocaust?
I always enjoy the insightfully written editorials in the Southern Cross. They are some of the best aspects of the paper. However, I must take exception to your editorial in the August 24th edition regarding the Crusades. While the editorial was well researched and a very accurate description of history, including the excesses practiced by too many of the Christian participants, your conclusions were to say the least very problematical. Yes, many in the West often betrayed their principles during the Crusades, but it doesn’t change the fact that we were trying to defend ourselves against the atrocities of Islamic theocracies, and to recapture the lands of the Gospels that had been swept away militarily by Islamic forces operating in the name of the Koran. We didn’t lose because we sometimes betrayed our most cherished beliefs, but because we didn’t have the will and the courage to continue what was a very complex and tortuous process. Today, we are still paying the price for not squashing this early successful Islamic ascendancy. It has haunted us ever since.
In fact, your conclusions outline a recipe for a Christian holocaust. Like other media writers, you romanticize the Muslims because they were operating in accordance with their principle of Jihad, or killing of the infidels (that’s us) for religious purposes, whereas we were not operating within our principles. You ask us to not take on the coloration of our seemingly fanatical, aggressive, and irrational enemies, but rather to rediscover our healthiest traditions, principles and insights, including “the possibility of a just but not offensive war, the complementarity of faith and reason, and the autonomy of both church and state.” May I respectively submit that this is exactly what the Jews did during WWII in the face of the most fanatical evil the world faced up to that time. They paid a very dear price for their and the world’s accommodating and appeasing attitudes. Remember Neville Chamberlain returning from negotiations with Hitler, declaring there would be peace in our time. The results show us that you cannot negotiate with evil.
The gospel principles you describe are ideals that we should always work toward; however, let us not be so naive as to believe they will be completely effective in defending ourselves against the practical evils we face from Islam whose very scriptures speak about obliterating the infidel in over 300 verses of the Koran. Make no mistake, we are engaged in a wide scale war with Islamic forces, fascist-like or not, from the Christian genocide in East Timor, and the Sudan, and from other centers of Islamic power in Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, and the Middle East. If there ever was a just war, this is it. Unfortunately, the principles that worked so well when states fought other states do not work as well as we’d like when confronting the dispersed, secretive, tyrannical, suicidal, and well-heeled terrorist minions. This is a war of opposing civilizations. If the Islamic terrorists win, they will impose a strict Islamic regimen that will virtually suppress Christianity and Western culture. Without a vibrant Catholic Church in place, there will be no chance to practice our faith and reach for the highest ideals you discussed in your editorial. We might extend mercy towards our enemies...the terrorists, I can assure you will not!
Peter G. Ciano
Savannah

Moderate Muslims?
Thank you for the very interesting and educational “editorials” on the history and ideology of Islam, and on Christian-Muslim relations. In this day and age it is so important for us Americans to “go back to school” and obtain deeper knowledge of the history of Islam and the mind-set of various Muslim groups.
I wonder if the Koran teaches war on “infidels,” peaceful co-existence, or just what? And why do we not hear moderate Muslim leaders loudly condemn extremist Muslims who live for Jihad and war on America, Israel, Britain, etc.?
David B. Conner
Macon
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Semmes info sought
Please pass to Ms. Rita H. DeLorme my compliments on a fine article about Father Alexander J. Semmes. The Semmes family has been graced by a number of priests, military leaders, and other statesmen…most remain Catholic.
One of my interests has been the study and presentation of the life of Raphael Semmes and history of the times in which he lived. This started soon after I learned that we share a birth date, his September 27, 1809 and mine 120 years later, September 27, 1929. (I also noted that Father Alexander died on September 27, 1898.)
I understand that Kate Flannery Semmes was an extraordinary Christian Steward in her support of Saint Joseph Convent near Savannah. Any information or references on her would be appreciated.
Your website and The Southern Cross are fine indicators of the diocese’s commitment to stewardship of social communications, subject of one of the most important of the Vatican II documents.
Oliver Semmes
Navarre, Florida
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Ordination was moment of grace

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 14:26:03 -0500

There are moments of indescribable grace in life. Moments when the love of God becomes tangible and changes us, marks us, leaves us different from the people we were before.
I had the privilege of witnessing one of these graced moments June 24 at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. I came to celebrate a wonderful day in the life of a friend, the ordination of Father Justin Ferguson. I came to thank God for the gift of his vocation, and to pray for him and the souls placed under his care.
With the laying on of hands, my friend began a new life, a life spent in the service of God and his Church, a life that will lead him to holiness. The bishop anointed his hands. Then he was clothed with the stole and chasuble, and joined the other priests on the other side of the altar. With them, he offered the sacrifice of the Mass on my behalf and that of all the Church.
It is difficult not to be moved by watching someone embrace his or her vocation, embrace the new life God has offered. It is difficult not to allow the grace of that witness to touch our hearts because that kind of love is meant to be given away, to bring new life.
Celebrating with Father Justin were married couples who had sacrificed their hearts for love of each other and the Kingdom. There were young religious who had turned their backs on the world and embraced a call to radical love, to mirror Christ in a powerful way. They were young singles called to live in the world but not of it, to be watchers of the morn in the darkness of night.
In a world so consumed by negativity and selfishness, the witness of the life-changing love of God is a powerful thing. I know I returned home that weekend renewed, and I know I have not begun to discover the blessings poured out on us all. The life-giving, renewing force of the Holy Spirit is always with us, but sometimes it takes powerful moments—graced moments—to remind us what our lives are all about—sacrificial love. Stephanie Tracy Baltimore

Modesty is for men, too

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 15:27:03 -0500

Modesty is for men, too
Barely one hour has passed since I read the letter to the editor in the June 22, 2006 issue of the Southern Cross regarding modesty and appropriate attire for Mass. The female author hit the proverbial nail on the head when she quoted several sentences from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2521-2523— “Modesty inspires a way of life which makes it possible to resist the allurement of fashion.” Specifically, she addresses Christian women and their [wearing] “cleavage-revealing, flesh-revealing outfits to Mass.” What about Christian males, some teens, some young adults and yes, even middle aged dads? What about their shorts or slacks falling off their hips with their designer boxers on display, ever so blatantly? What about the parents who enter God's blessed house in their shorts, T-shirts and flip flops as if they were coming from the grocery store, park or golf course? (So far I haven't seen any spiked golf shoes. Are they even sold anymore?) Would they attend a funeral or a wedding in such attire? What about the receptions? I pray not. Just yesterday I surfed the channels and happened upon The Today Show for less than 10 minutes. The substitute anchorwoman led a segment with a male fashion expert regarding appropriate dress for guests at weddings. (What does it take to become a male fashion expert? My husband retires in 9 years.) Three male and three female models came decked out in pricey attire that address the term my parents used in the 60s and 70s of wearing your “Sunday best.” The so called expert shared that today's brides and grooms expect to look out to see their guests dressed in style because they consider guests part of their wedding party. What? Here he is talking about a wedding, what about mass as we Christians remember the wedding feast at Cana? Aren't Jesus and his (and our) heavenly Father just as present at our Mass every time it is celebrated just as Jesus and the Father were at Cana? Of course they are and even more intimately because as Catholics we receive Jesus in his divine form in the Eucharist in a way unknown to non-Catholics. Let's all take a look at ourselves in one of the numerous mirrors in our homes before leaving for Mass. Let parents return to being parents by being the yea- and nay-sayers to what their kids, no matter what their ages, wear to Mass, by setting the example. Don't our priests have enough on their plates without being our attire police by reminding us before their homilies or in the bulletin about what we come to the weekly celebration wearing? (Don't get me started on tattoos and piercings). Ms. Thigpen commented about many churches in Rome, including Saint Peter's Basilica's that post pictures outside the entrances showing non-appropriate dress for males and females. How pathetic it would be if our diocese follows this practice.
I often watch Protestant church services on TV Sunday mornings. One sentence in closing regarding the attire I see by the congregations is that they know where they are and why, sporting their Sunday best. It's nice to see a handful of the ladies in their pretty hats of years past. Perhaps I should find the fashion expert to see if he can forecast a return to such.
Diane Forrester
Evans