A Devoted Rosarian
Dear Editor: In response to Fred Bedell Jr.’s letter (“Join the Holy Name Society,” Jan. 13).
I’d like to invite all women to consider joining their parish Rosary societies.
We are a group of women devoted to our Blessed Mother, who pray the rosary for all. I’m a member of St. Bernard’s Parish in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn, and our meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month.
We begin with praying the rosary in church before the 10 a.m. Mass and then head over to the school auditorium for a brief meeting and light refreshments.
We discuss parish events that might need our support and donate to many charitable organizations.
At the present time, we need more people praying the rosary. As Padre Pio always said, “The rosary is our greatest weapon against evil.”
I enjoy my time spent with my fellow Rosarians, both at Mary Queen of Heaven and St. Bernard’s.
Why not give it a try, ladies? You may be glad you did.
Tina Moore
Mill Basin
Right to Life
Dear Editor: I often wonder if the Right to Life Party really understands what that phrase means.
Do they just think that it ends with the baby in the womb? They legislate about the protection of a baby in the womb and they are done. Not so!
How about the migrants seeking asylum? Right to life.
How about the prisoners on death row? Right to life.
How about passing safe gun legislation? Right to life.
How about the protection of our planet? Right to life.
Right to Life does not begin and end with a woman’s womb. It goes way beyond that and every single person is a child of God and should be treated with respect and dignity, not like a human chess piece to be moved around at the whim of governors.
We are all worthy of the Right to Life! It would be great if it could be shown to everyone!
Maria F. Mastromarino
Manalapan, NJ
May I Have Your Blessing?
Dear Editor: ”It’s against Church policy as it should be …” Really? To bless another? (“Readers’ Forum,” Jan. 27).
“Father, please may I/we have your blessing?”
Many young people today may not make that request, but it was a most frequent one on the lips of us older Catholics.
It’s still a part and parcel of every Eucharist and sacrament, most prayer experiences in and outside of Church gatherings, commissioning, sendings forth and celebrations in our churches, schools, and homes.
Parents bless children as they leave for school, sport teams are blessed. Coaches, teachers, parents, priests, nuns, and youth ministers prayed with their flock.
They prayed for God’s blessing and presence with big and little people, with believers and wonderers, with saints and sinners, even with pets. We often seek blessings when we’re worried, confused, or frightened.
It’s a blessing, a prayer, a request that God be with us, stay with us, and guide us on our way.
I’ve never been there but thousands and thousands gather each day at Vatican Square to await the Holy Father’s blessing.
There is no application to complete, no clearance of lifestyle or “state of grace,” no question of “why” or “worthiness.”
But there is in that square in Rome, in our church assemblies each weekend, in hospital beds, and nursing home rooms, on the field, court, playground, home, and classroom a hope and, hopefully, a comfort.
This is a reminder that God is continually present and the God loves us, especially in our weakness, sin, fear and failures. God bless us all.
Sister Karen Cavanagh, CSJ
Jamaica
Greenpoint Basketball Greats
Dear Editor: The Tablet has always been a great source of news about local sports at all levels.
Jim Mancari wonderfully continues this tradition.
Particularly noteworthy is his reporting of the recent passings of Jimmy Smyth and Gus Alfieri (“Sports Roundup,” Jan. 20).
Both St. John graduates began their outstanding careers at the St. Cecilia‘s Lyceum in Greenpoint.
They will be missed, but it is nice to see their names in the Good Sports page once again. Thanks Jim!
Matt Meagher
Maspeth
Score One for America
Dear Editor: Philadelphia Park in Pennsylvania decided to keep the statue of William Penn in place despite pressure to remove it.
This is another vain attempt to erase our past history because of some supposedly racist attitude attributed to our past leaders by the cancel culture group.
But the people enmass made their voices heard and the plan failed. I hope this is a prelude to future responses by all Americans when faced with more to come. Stay vigilant and speak up!
Thomas and Constance Dowd
Oakland Gardens