Blessing of Same-Sex Couples
Dear Editor: The recent blessing of a same sex couple by Pope Francis has many Catholics confused and very upset.
His Holiness, in his quest for inclusiveness, does not speak in papal authority as head of the Church.
The blessing was made in a congenial way, but in no way sanctified an endorsement of such a union.
It is against Church policy, as it should be. The pope seems to favor very progressive ideas, but should tread lightly in his role as the head of the Church.
And we, as the body of the Church, should always be vigilant and be aware of any proclamation that would compromise any basic tenet of its teachings.
Thomas and Constance Dowd
Oakland Gardens
Married Priests?
Dear Editor: I know that there is a tremendous shortage of priests and that the problem is universal.
There is a bishop who is making a case for the married priesthood.
Honestly I don’t see how this will help things. If the priest is married, who comes first, his wife or his vocation?
On a weekend when it is very busy in the life of a priest, that would greatly cut his social life and leave his wife sitting home alone. Not a good idea for a marriage.
I understand that these marriages would need special counseling and the wife would have to be very understanding.
I think it would open up a whole Pandora’s box of problems.
Jesus took his apostles away from their family; they were 12 men alone with Him.
They gave up family life, marriage, and relationships to concentrate on being priests totally.
Both the married state and the priesthood take a great deal of commitment. I don’t see them being combined as a solution to the priest shortage.
Maria F. Mastromarino
Manalapan, NJ
Blood Donation Shortage
Dear Editor: The New York Blood Center and the Red Cross have reported that there is a severe shortage of blood donations.
They have reported that blood donation is the lowest in 20 years, and that means a 25% drop in donations.
The situation is that there is not enough blood to go around. This means the need is great. Donations help to treat trauma patients, transplant patients, accident victims, newborn babies and their mothers.
I am grand knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus in Douglaston, and as chairman, with the help of my co-chairman Giuseppe Petruso, we run two blood drives a year.
Our last blood drive in November was the lowest in years.
People must realize that donating blood is so important. Many people need to step up to the plate to save lives, even their own.
Life is a precious commodity and blood donations are very important. Now to all, how would you like to save a life?
I had cancer surgery six years ago and needed blood. I would like to thank those who did donate blood which saved my life.
To get more information as to where to donate blood, go to nybc.org or call 1-800 933-2566.
Please give the gift of life, for it is sorely needed. You will be glad that you did.
Frederick Robert Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
Annette Will Be Missed
Dear Editor: Annette Bonvino, the director of the the Pastoral Ministry Office at Our Lady of Grace Parish, Gravesend, passed away on Dec. 22, 2023. The office was established in 1983 by Sister Jane Talbot and Pastor Emeritus, Father Dominick F. Cutrone. After the passing of Sister Jane and the retirement of Father Cutrone, Antoinette, (Annette), Bonvino stepped up to the plate and took over the ministry program in 2009.
The good works that were started by Sister Jane continued under Annette’s direction with her 17 volunteers who feed the homeless on Wednesdays and Fridays. They also distribute baskets to needy families for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Annette also helped organize the Thanksgiving Day dinner.
Annette organized the yearly Anointing Mass of the Sick, Lenten Soup Supper, the Eucharistic Ministers, and oversaw the Thrift Shop.
She was an active member of the parish for 50 years.
She married Vincenzo in 1965 and soon moved to Gravesend. She leaves behind her husband, children, Angelo and Claire, and 4 grandchildren, Angelo, Julia, Olivia & Alexis, and 12 nephews and nieces.
Annette was known for her compassion and understanding toward the community needs. She showed commitment and love of her job. Truly she was a saint that walked among us. The parish will miss her.
Mary Ann De Luca
Gravesend