Columnist’s Opinion

Dear Editor: I was disappointed in Effie Caldarola’s column (Oct. 24) “Seeing ‘the Other’ in the Year of Mercy.” I always enjoy reading her essays that are syndicated by Catholic News Service. However, I expect her to be politically neutral.

Both Parties Bear Blame

Dear Editor: It’s hard to keep up with everyone. I’m responding to Democrat Lib Rick O’Connell’s criticism (Nov. 14) of Republican George Weigel’s column (Nov. 7) supporting Paul Ryan. A plague on both your houses. Paul Ryan just voted with the RINO Republicans who teamed up with Obama to increase the debt on my grandkids by $1+ trillion dollars. Not only that, they signed a two-year deal, tying the hands of the next Republican President, Ted Cruz … extending Obama’s spending into the ninth year of his eight-year term.

Reasons to Give Thanks

While the most recent terrorist attacks in Paris dampen our Thanksgiving season, we still can find reasons to give thanks this year. We give thanks this year for the great gift of Pope Francis and his visit to the U.S. and New York in September. Certainly, it was a highlight among the news events of the past year.

Decisive Action Needed

This week, no words from an editorial in a newspaper can give any real insight into the pure evil of ISIS and its terrorist actions in Paris. We weep with the people of Paris, and we pray for the souls of the dead, the healing of the injured and the consolation of those who mourn.

Who Will Lead the Fight Against Evil?

The Vatican, in its initial reaction to the terrorist bombings in Paris, condemned the attacks, calling for “a decisive, supportive response on the part of all of us as we counter the spread the homicidal hatred in all of its forms.” But the Church does not expand upon what form that response should take.

Thanks for Giving

My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, The origins of Thanksgiving Day come to us from Colonial times when tradition has it that the Pilgrims and the Native Indians rejoiced after a plentiful harvest. There are various interpretations of this tradition, however, I always say that the fact is that is the way it should have been. If it was not that way, it is unfortunate.

Rebuilding Livelihoods After Typhoon Haiyan

The typhoon – thought to be the strongest tropical cyclone to hit land in recorded history – not only devastated 44 Filipino provinces and claimed more than 6,300 lives, it also destroyed or disrupted the livelihoods of 5.6 million people.

A King Like None Other

This is the solemn feast of Christ the King and I am going to begin our column with a reference to the famous movie “The Bride of Frankenstein.” It will be a long time before you read another “Sunday’s Scriptures” column that begins on this note, so hang in there.