Honoring St. Edith Stein
Dear Editor: Thank you Jo’Anne Brancato for asking that one important question: Where can I serve? (“The Strength of Our Deanery Q10 Community,” Letters, Aug. 1 and 8).
On Aug. 9, the Church remembers St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (“Faithful Witness: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross ‘Stands Between Two Worlds’ — Catholic and Jewish,” story, pages 12-13), and we do have a religious community named after her in Brooklyn (the Contemplative Community St. Edith Stein), which is part of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará.
They are a growing community of religious sisters, and the Monastery of the Precious Blood in Borough Park has magnificent stained glass windows. I love going there for prayer and for the windows.
The chapel remains open for many days and is worth a visit.
Gerry Moss
Kensington
Leaning On The Faith
Dear Editor: Elizabeth Scalia’s guest column (“Dream and Stay Strong! Your God-Given Gifts Are Still There!” Aug. 1 and 8) is a reminder that when life feels uncertain or unfulfilling, we can rely on enduring spiritual gifts of grace, peace, forgiveness, strength, and salvation, which persist regardless of circumstances.
These gifts remind us of our connection to God and purpose, found in daily acts of kindness, patience, forgiveness, encouragement, and compassion. Receiving these gifts requires action — they are meant to be shared.
My family, similar to Scalia’s, was entrenched in adversity and hardship, yet demonstrated dignity, charity, and forgiveness, creating a home grounded in these values. What my family gave me went beyond material support; their faithful example during difficulties shaped my spiritual outlook, and for this I am grateful.
Gratitude is about recognizing God’s presence in people and quiet acts of love, especially in challenging times. It reminds me to seek God as the source of lasting blessings and to extend grace to others.
Patricia Connelly
Sunnyside
Sinatra Strikes a Chord
Dear Editor: I want to thank you for your summer reading list (“Summer Reading 2026 Around The Diocese of Brooklyn,” July 11).
I would especially like to thank John Alexander for recommending the wonderful book on Frank Sinatra (“Sinatra! The Song Is You: A Singer’s Art,” by Will Friedwald).
I am 81 years old, and Sinatra is my companion right now. I saw him many times. As I get older, I miss all of that stuff.
Salvatore Tassone
Bensonhurst
Always Remember Where We Began
Dear Editor: Great humility never goes unnoticed!
God gave [chef Lidia Bastianich] a talent and she responded (“From Refugee Camp Meals to Papal Dinners, Celebrity Chef Gives Back,” Aug. 1 and 8).
Never forget your roots. It shapes who you are and what you aspire to be.
This can only happen with God, the Blessed Mother, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!
Tom Vesci
North Wales, Pennsylvania,
via social media