He Fulfilled his Mission In Life as a Good Shepherd
Dear Editor: I’m writing to you on behalf of the entire Ortiz-Garay family. We want to express our gratitude to you, your colleagues and the readers for all the support and help you offered us after the death of my brother, Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay. Above all, want to thank all of you for your prayers. The prayers of so many people that knew and loved my brother have sustained us and even today give us the strength, consolation and hope that we need.
This last year has been very difficult for our family. Sometimes it is difficult to accept God’s will, but thanks to your prayers, we have again come to realize that only the Lord could give us peace in our lives. We have come to realize that my brother left a lasting impression in each person who ever met him. That was his mission — to serve his brothers and sisters.
It is an incentive for all of us to remember that my brother fulfilled his mission in life as a good shepherd to his people. We thank you all for your kindness and your prayers. You are in our prayers too. God bless you.
Irais Ortiz Garay
Mexico City, Mexico
Editor’s note: Irais Ortiz Garay is the sister of Jorge Ortiz-Garay, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who was the first priest to die due to complications from COVID-19 in the United States.
The Hope and Light of Christ in These Dark Days
Dear Editor: Catholic faithful react with great sadness and concern to the confirmation of radical abortion activist Xavier Becerra as Secretary of Health and Human Services, whose policies, given his history, will most assuredly enable the diabolical abortion industry to flourish here and abroad.
Since the Biden administration is clearly and decidedly working to undo the pro-life gains of the Trump administration, Catholics, in turn, must undo the Biden administration and current Congressional leadership in the voting booth. As with wound care, you must first stop a person’s bleeding, before you do anything else. Stopping the bloodshed of abortion is the first action in healing the gaping wounds of our nation.
Our leadership is determined to shed more blood, and so it is time for the faithful to replace it, and to persevere in the sure and certain hope and light of Christ in these dark days.
Father Michael W. Panicali
Sheepshead Bay
Editor’s note: Father Panicali is the local chaplain of Rosary for Life and parochial vicar of St. Mark–St. Margaret Mary Parish, Sheepshead Bay and Manhattan Beach.
Bigotry and Prejudice Against Asian-Americans Has to Stop
Dear Editor: As reported there is such a terrible rise in hate crimes against Asians and Asians- Americans.
These acts I find most appalling. There is these three words being used in the media — “Appalled, Furious, and Cowardly.” Well, I agree.
All this bias hate has increased in New York City and surrounding areas as well as all across this great nation of ours. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the death of over 536,000 people and so much illness and blame has gone out to to those who are Asians.
This thinking is so wrong. And yet that is how bigotry and prejudice is perpetuated. Talk is cheap and rally’s can go so far. What we need to do is educate the public that is hate is wrong and that love is the answer.
We need to think in terms that we are all brothers and sisters and that our creator, created us all to love and to respect one another. We are all members of the same human race. I think furthermore that we all need to get involve in our community to help one another when one of our Asians brothers and sisters are being abused or hurt.
Finally my heartfelt prayers goes out to the families who lost love ones in Atlanta, Georgia and who were murder. Six of the eight victims were Asian.
As the old cliche’ goes, “When you see something, say something.” So, let’s do it! Remember this too: Evil thrives when good people do nothing.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
School Principals Truly Are Heroes
Dear Editor: “I think for me, it’s about being in those classrooms and being with the kids every day.” Principal Susan Walsh’s words resonate with particular force for us, as we are part of the St. Saviour Catholic Academy family (“Shining the Spotlight on Some Diocese Principals,” March 20).
Her leadership and vision have been fundamental, as has been the exemplary dedication of the teachers and administrative staff at the school. We have witnessed first hand their commitment and courage.
There are no words to fully express our gratitude.
They are truly heroes. God bless them and their families.
Maria Barrera-Agarwal
Park Slope