Dodgers’ Anti-Catholic Display
Dear Editor: On June 16, the Los Angeles Dodgers are sponsoring an utterly disgraceful anti-Catholic “Pride Event” featuring a group called “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.”
Bishop Richard Barron formerly of the Diocese of Los Angeles has called for a boycott.
I urge all Catholics to not only boycott events in which the Dodgers are involved, but to boycott as many Dodger sponsors as well.
We Catholics need to show that we will not tolerate this type of ridicule.
Richard A. Barry
Bayside
Why all the Fuss with Gluten Free Hosts?
Dear Editor: I never understood why certain individuals who have celiac disease or gluten intolerance cannot consume the Eucharist like everyone else.
I sympathize with their health issues, however, can the Eucharist, which contains the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, actually hurt them? Even the gluten-free Eucharist is not totally free of gluten. Without gluten, the Eucharist would not be valid matter.
Jesus tells us in the Gospel of John 6:54-55: “Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has life eternal and I will raise him on the last day, for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.”
On the contrary, Jesus did not say: Anyone who eats my flesh (unless one is gluten intolerant) has life eternal. He did not make any exceptions whatsoever.
If one truly believes in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, there would be no fear of getting sick.
Psalms 91:3-4: He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you.
It is against our Lord’s nature to make one sick – since he is our Healer and our Heavenly Physician. Amen.
Pat Giangrande
Bay Ridge
Latin, the Unifier
Dear Editor: Recently Peter Paul Farley wrote to The Tablet saying “Latin has become a bone of contention … dividing, not uniting.”
I respectfully disagree. Before the changes of the Second Vatican Council, which allowed the vernacular to be used, one could go to any Catholic church in the world and experience the same Mass.
That seems more unifier then divider. Although the vernacular does allow people to understand the Mass easier, it also allows for mistranslations. The real divide is not the language of Latin; it is still the official language of the Church, but the differences between the Tridentine Mass and the Novus Ordo.
Some who prefer the Tridentine Mass feel that they are being diminished with the restrictions that Motu Proprio Traditionis Custodes set. I agree there is a divide, but it’s not Latin.
Joseph J. Puntino
Flushing
Maybe Not So Marvelous
Dear Editor: I was fascinated to read the article about Churches being used in movies and TV sets. The article seems to imply that this is a good idea. Can we take a closer look at the shows mentioned.
Yes, “Blue Bloods” shows a Catholic family who say grace before meals and live out their faith. They are principled and just in their public and private lives.
As we move on to some of the other shows, “Boardwalk Empire” was an extremely violent show about ruthless men and abuse of women. “Mrs. Maisel,” while funny has language that would make a sailor blush.
Are we to infer that because there is a Catholic Church in the frame these are good shows? I by no means am a fan of censorship as you can tell I watched these shows.
Catholics should always be aware of what is being presented in the media and make informed, intelligent decisions.
These shows are not bad but they are not praise worthy because they have a Catholic Church in them. Just my thoughts.
Maria F. Mastromarino
Manalapan, NJ
Editor’s note: The story’s focus was on churches that appear in TV and movie productions. Not to endorse the productions.
Father Salerno: Good and Faithful
Dear Editor: For over thirty five I was truly blessed to know Father Emilio Salerno (Obituary, May 27).
I ministered with him in two parishes and that was a learning experience no classroom could teach. He quietly recognized, encouraged and supported the gifts of his staff and congregation.
He was committed to the future of our church and to the directives of the Second Vatican Council.
Father Salerno was a good priest and a faithful friend who made the church and the world a better place with his kind and gentle ways.
Eileen McGuire
Peconic, NY
