Thank You, Dr. Lucia A. Silecchia
Dear Editor: Dr. Silecchia’s fond memory of the power that address books evoke struck a chord (“Address Book Opens Cherished Memories,” Dec. 9). For years I would help my Papa write the family Christmas cards. My role was addressing the envelopes. His was the sentimental content.
Each name in the address book was written in pen, with addresses in pencil for the occasional moves. No name was ever erased. My younger self didn’t appreciate the exercise. We paused with each card because it aligned with the story of the person and a highlight of that year.
Now the older me totally understands. The book, which is a keepsake, is a treasure chest of memories … of points in time … of souls in Heaven … of people who have gotten married and are now
grandparents … of teachers who taught my brother and me so well.
I thank Dr. Silecchia for reminding me that even in the simplest acts there is much to learn about the cycle of life.
Nancy Romanzo
Bayside
‘To-Do List’ Button
Dear Editor: In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I wore my “Christmas To-Do List” button:
• Shop
• Cook
• Go to church
This button was part of a campaign by the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2016 to put Him (Christ) on your list. My friend and fellow parishioner Deidre Finnegan was so touched by the button’s message that she wanted to tell everybody. She even had me show the pin to her mother!
We all get caught up in the necessary preparations for Christmas, but it is important to be reminded of the cause for all the celebration, and to show the world that Christmas is not just another
holiday.
Lois Seelandt
Bay Ridge
Why Not Join the Holy Name Society
Dear Editor: To start off with, I’m a member of Our Lady of the Snows in Floral Park whose pastor is Father Kevin F. McBrien. As such I’m a member of their Holy Name Society. That has been the most rewarding experience in my life.
Let me explain a little about the Holy Name Society. It is a parish group for Catholic men who seek to praise the Blessed Trinity and give service to our brothers and sisters in the parish community and beyond.
Most notably we promote the Holy Name of Jesus that is beyond every other name.
Let me also add what we do:
The men of the society try their best to live out the Gospel and support by example the mission of the Church.
We are involved in many aspects of parish life. We also are involved within the larger community. There are chapters of the Holy Name Society in Brooklyn and in Queens and you can ask your local priests at various parishes about how you can join the Holy Name Society. So, please join the Holy Name Society; you will be glad that you did.
Frederick Robert Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
A Letter of Thanks
Dear Editor: I am a Sister of Our Lady of Sion and interfaith coordinator for the parish of Our Lady of Refuge (Brooklyn). I am also a member of the diocesan Commission for Ecumenical and
Interreligious Affairs. I would like to express my appreciation for The Tablet’s response to the tragedy of Oct. 7, and the subsequent war between Israel and Hamas.
The unspeakable tragedy of that war has spilled over into the streets and neighborhoods of our country, sometimes with tragic results. There are daily manifestations of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab hatred. All of these are impacting Jews, Muslims, and Arabic-speaking people in the neighborhoods of this diocese.
I am grateful to The Tablet and our bishop for reminding and educating us about the realities of antisemitism. We also need more information about Islam and our neighbors whose lives are shaped by it, as well as about the presence in our diocese of Palestinians and other Arabic-speaking people. In the coming weeks, tension and misinformation will continue. We, as Catholic Christians, can live our call to create what Pope Francis often calls a “culture of dialogue.”
We can begin by reaching out a hand of friendship to Jews and Muslims who work with us or live beside us in our neighborhoods or attend the same schools. Thank you for bringing to our attention the tragedy in Israel, Gaza, and Palestine, and its impact in our own country.
Sister Celia Deutsch, NDS
Flatbush