Immigration: No Political Rhetoric
Dear Editor: Immigration law needs to be examined by Congress and the executive branch with the approach of permanently fixing it rather than resorting to stopgap measures.
It requires all parties to approach this issue without bombastic political rhetoric (“The Effects of Mass Deportations on the Labor Market in America,” Oct. 25).
Sadly, given the fact that they can’t reach a continuing budget resolution, serious discussion on the immigration issue is going nowhere anytime soon.
Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper columnist Peggy Noonan is not the shining beacon on the hill, nor are any of the other opinion commentators.
If the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wants to reform the system, they shouldn’t complain.
They should develop a realistic proposal and lobby members of both parties in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Clergy can effectively lobby on the issue without favoring the Democrats and/or Republicans. Recent reform sermons provided at Masses are dead on arrival.
Robert Doud
Garden City, New York
Thanks for the Sisters of St. Joseph’s
Dear Editor: I would like to thank The Tablet for the wonderful pages marking the Sisters of St. Joseph’s 375th Anniversary (“375 Years Nun-Stop,” Oct. 11).
I was taught by the Sisters both in grammar school, at St. Thomas Aquinas, 4th Avenue, and high school at St. Joseph.
On Mission Sunday, I was dressed as a sister to represent the community. I was only a child of about 8 or 9 years old and was thrilled to do so.
I loved the Sisters of St. Joseph and credit them not only with my education but also with my faith formation.
I have always found them kind and supportive.
Happy anniversary, dear Sisters of St. Joseph! May you be rewarded for all your good works here on earth.
Maria F. Mastromarino
Manalapan, New Jersey
A Welcome Tribute to Father Ruskin Piedra
Dear Editor: Thanks for the story on the renaming of the Sunset Park street for Father Ruskin Piedra (“Father Ruskin Piedra Honored For ‘Legacy of Charity’,” Oct. 25).
I had the privilege to write an extensive feature on his ministry in 2020 for St. Anthony Messenger Magazine.
Part of the research for that article included attending hearings where Father Piedra advocated for immigrants.
He surely would be horrified by the devaluing of that advocacy. The due process he engaged in is now publicly scoffed at by the Trump Administration, which regularly deports migrants without hearings.
Advocating against this administration’s immigration policies is the best way for Catholics to honor Father Piedra’s legacy.
Peter Fuerherd
Rockaway Park
Charlie Kirk Memorial Sculpture
Dear Editor: Thank you for the article honoring Charlie Kirk with a memorial sculpture (“Creator of ‘Angels Unawares’ Honors Charlie Kirk with Memorial Sculpture,” Oct. 25).
Kirk wasn’t killed because he spoke.
He was killed because our children listened. His voice made a difference.
He was the light, and he was killed by the dark.
He was our brother in Christ. His memory will live on.
Christine L. Kromer
Bayside