Dear Editor: Bravo to Bishop DiMarzio for his excellent reflection, “Columbus Was the Original Immigrant” (Oct. 21).

Bishop DiMarzio insightfully clarifies both the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and the real significance of Christopher Columbus – he was a discoverer, not a colonizer! An extremely important distinction.

This scholarly and pastorally sensitive piece is must reading for all who are greatly concerned about the partisan politics and revisionist history distorting the legacy of Columbus. He was a great man and faithful Catholic.

As a Franciscan friar, I am inspired that he was a Third Order Franciscan (now named Secular Franciscan) and he truly respected the dignity of all persons – especially the indigenous people of that era.

FATHER BRIAN JORDAN, O.F.M.

Brooklyn Heights

 

Editor’s Note: Father Jordan is a chaplain at St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights.