In Memory and Honor of Pope Francis
Dear Editor: I was interviewed back in 2013 when I was the pastor of St. Agatha Church on the occasion of Pope Francis’ election, and now, as the pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle, on the occasion of Pope Francis’ passing. To be perfectly honest with you, I am not a person who feels comfortable in front of a camera, but the journalists did a phenomenal job on both occasions.
In fact, I had a lot to say about Pope Francis back then. What I can add now is that the impact of his ministry has been shown all over the world through mass media. The very fact that the whole world is paying attention to his funeraland to Vatican City is a positive andphenomenal thing to witness. Thanks again for coming to my place at St. Thomas the Apostle and facilitating everything for me to have a meaningful interview about the legacy of Pope Francis.
As a priest coming from the “end of the Americas” (i.e., Argentina), I should close by saying, may God bless DeSales Media and the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Father Francisco J. Walker
Woodhaven
Dear Editor: I’m sure with the recent passing of the Holy Father in Rome, The Tablet will be inundated with letters regarding his papacy. All I have learned and know about Jesus’ time on earth, I saw in Pope Francis as he walked those very footsteps during his time on earth.
He brought the Catholic Church to the world by promoting interfaith dialogue with other religious leaders, his genuine concern for protecting Earth from climate crises and speaking out about it, his inclusion of others, particularly immigrants, those marginalized by society, the sick, and those with afflictions who were unable to be heard.
His belief of “todos, todos, todos.” Everyone. This is what is needed today. He lived not to serve the papacy but to use his papacy to serve humanity. He refused to be trapped by the pageantry of his office and preferred to live his life simply by serving those in need and calling out injustice when he encountered it.
Like Jesus when he encountered the apostle Matthew, a tax collector for the Roman Empire, or a woman about to be stoned to death by the mob, he judged not nor condemned others, but instead listened and showed compassion. Like Jesus, he came to his office to serve, not to be served. This is truly seen by the choices he made as pope. And this was his greatest strength.
As the cardinals enter their sacred conclave to be guided by the Holy Spirit, I hope they choose someone as humble and compassionate as Pope Francis. The need of such leaders, particularly the people in this country.
Joe M. Dugan
Marine Park
Changing Times
Dear Editor: Many people are unaware, but women religious congregations are self-supporting (“Where Are All the Women Religious?” April 19).
This means they rely on donations, sales of goods made by the congregation, investments, real estate they might have acquired, and yes, working in teaching, health care, and many other fields.
Because of the decline in vocations and the growing population of aging religious who need care, those of working age have had to seek employment with outside organizations where they receive a salary. Religious take a vow of poverty and give the salaries they receive to the congregation to care for the elderly and maintain the everyday expenses of the order.
While many might prefer to teach in our schools, this is not possible in today’s changing world.
Helen Peterman
Whitestone