Migrants are God’s Precious Children Too
Dear Editor: Regarding the recent letter in The Tablet entitled “The Greatest and Most Charitable Country” (April 10), I take exception to the writer’s opinion that the people trying to enter the USA at the Mexican border should be referred to as “illegal aliens” rather than “migrants.”
These migrants are God’s children, fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. We are called to care for our brothers and sisters in need, not turn our backs. I don’t think that allowing migrants to seek asylum in our country will destroy our country. I believe it will make our country stronger.
Look at how the influx of Hispanic immigrants has helped the Church of the Brooklyn Diocese to grow. I am proud of our country’s efforts to make our immigration policies more charitable, rather than just refusing to help people in need.
Michael J. McGovern
Floral Park
Thank God for the Pro-Life Advocates
Dear Editor: Thank God for the pro-life advocates who believe that every human being has innate worth and dignity despite our pro-abortion society; a Democratic president who empowers, funds and imposes payment for abortion on all people regardless of religious principles and, sadly, Catholics who relegate the pro-life movement to a subordinate position to climate change and poverty.
Pro-life advocates dedicate their lives, time and money to speak for those who have no voice.
All lives matter to them and should for all of us because if we consider the smallest life as insignificant, whose life is therefore also considered worthless — the poor, the sick, the elderly?
If other Catholics see other issues that must be addressed, I would ask them, “What have you done about homelessness, gun control, or the race issue? Who have you called? Where have you dedicated your time, money, or marched for these concerns?”
Patricia Gregorek
Greenpoint
Priests Do Not Get the Recognition They Deserve
Dear Editor: I have read many articles over the years from The Tablet. I felt that I was compelled to write about the priests in my home parish of St. Catharine of Alexandria.
I have been in this parish since 1962 when my parents bought a house nearby.
I am still in the parish after so many years and active as well.
My comment is about the priests that we have at the present time.
Father Jose Augustine is our pastor. He is from Chile and tries very hard to accommodate one and all.
He acknowledges his parishioners and his friendly manner endears him to one and all.
Whether you are a Spanish, Italian, or English-speaker — or whatever other languages — he gives you a smile and a hello when he sees you.
Father Darius, who speaks English as well as his native Polish, is a gem. He has the most wonderful homilies which I can relate to.
Most priests do not get the recognition that they justly deserve. Recently he spoke of the beautiful food that is presented to us but inside is bitter. He makes a great deal of sense, especially in these difficult times where we do not know where to turn to for guidance.
We the parishioners at St. Catharine are very blessed and I hope and pray that those who have kept their distance will return and join us at church.
I know that if I did not have my church on a daily basis, I would have nothing.
This year has been a very difficult time for me as I have a sick husband at home who is totally dependent on me. God bless our priests.
Maria Pecoraro
Borough Park
This Insidious Disease Can be Beaten
Dear Editor: As reported, deaths from COVID-19 are going down but new cases are going up nationwide. The sad thing is the number of deaths from this virus is almost 560,000 Americans.
Now, vaccinations are increasing and, hopefully, this will have us win the war against coronavirus that has hurt so many families.
As it stands now, over 100 million American adults have had at least one vaccination so far and that is 35 percent of the adult population.
My wife and I have finished our second vaccination.
We are senior citizens and we realize that we still need to use common sense. Now, that means staying six feet apart in public places, washing our hands often, wearing masks, and getting tested.
This has been said often by myself and others, but it still needs to be said. But there are still others who are not paying attention to this message.
This insidious disease can be beaten but only if we all do the right thing. So, let’s do it!
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose