God Works in Mysterious Ways
Dear Editor: I must admit that after reading the Sunday’s reflection of Father Patrick Longalong I felt very emotional (“True Faith involves Trust,” Sunday Scriptures, May 9, 2020.)
It brought back to me and my wife memories from when I had some serious health issues in 2008 We placed our faith and trust in the Lord. After two and a half years, I was finally healed.
I was very moved by Father Longalong’s story about a young mother who went to him for help when her infant was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
He gave her a “Green Scapular” and instructed her to use an enclosed prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Father Longalong’s sister called him three months later, asking him what he had done. The child’s mother, who is also her friend, had called her to say that her daughter had been healed. Doctors could not explain why this happened.
Father Longalong wrote that people of “true faith feel the infant’s healing is a miracle” and that “those who will place their faith and Trust in Lord will not be disappointed.” What we know is that God works in very mysterious ways. Amen.
Deacon Vincent M. La Gamba
Belle Harbor
Pray for Those Serving Our Communities
Dear Editor: This Memorial Day, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no Memorial Day parades, which I find sad. I do, however, truly understand the reason — to keep us safe.
I served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and am a member of the American Legion Post #103, Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus in Douglaston. This Memorial Day, there will not be parades or patriotic activities but we still can say a prayer for all those serving our country today — the brave men and women in the military.
We also should offer prayers for all those serving, protecting and saving us in our communities like our doctors, nurses, EMS, firefighters, and those in our police departments.
We can also offer a moment of silence for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives to keep us free. Remember this also: Let’s not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day and fly the American Flag if you can.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
Livestreaming Mass Helps the Community
Dear Editor: Well thought out refections (“As Father Heanue Sees It,” Up Front & Personal, May 2).
It is always refreshing to find some positives in a difficult situation. I hope you continue livestreaming Mass even after the pandemic.
It just offers so much to the community, the elderly, families with very young children, and those attempting to reconnect with the church. And that’s from me!
Lynn Rapkiewicz
Middle Village
Not Just Intellectually But With My Mind and Soul
Dear Editor: I had the benefit, in young adulthood, of finding the book “Twenty Holy Hours” by Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey.
In it, he describes how to pray in union with the Mass anywhere in the world (“The Validity of Virtual Mass Is Questioned,” May 9).
This has given me a basis for my participation during the closure of churches. I know a church in Brooklyn where there is a Mass at 8 a.m. and I do watch it on livestreaming, but only so that I know what is happening, in the moment, at that church.
When the Consecration takes place, I turn and face the direction of the church, not the laptop or TV, and offer the prayer of St Francis of Assisi:
“We adore you, O Lord Jesus Christ, in this church and all the churches of the world, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world. Amen.”
At the time of communion, I also turn in the direction of the church and make a spiritual communion. I feel that by doing this, I am participating in the event as much as I can — not just intellectually but with my mind heart and soul.
Deborah Parise
Ridgewood
We Will Get Through This Together
Dear Editor: I honestly never thought I would see the day that I would not be allowed to go to church, nevermind for two months.
Even though I say my prayers on a daily basis and try to keep up with Mass on Sundays, I still missed being in church with my fellow parishioners.
I realize that this pandemic is both real and serious. I pray for all who had to deal with it directly, especially those who were taken away from us. I also pray for an end to the pandemic so that we can return to our daily activities and help others.
God bless everyone. We will get through this together.
Maurice Bernier
Springfield Gardens
Editor’s note: Many parishioners are anxiously awaiting the time when churches are allowed to reopen. In the meantime, you can make a Spiritual Communion while watching Masses on live television. See https://netny.tv/ for the full schedule.