Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor Week of November 18, 2023

Thank You Fathers Cush, Lauder 

Dear Editor: Kudos to The Tablet for some great columns this week. 

Father Cush (“Pharisees: Not the Villains They’re Often Shown to Be,” Nov. 4) brought home to the reader just who the Pharisees are. 

Father Lauder (“Pope Francis and the Vocation of the Artist”) made me see the true place of the vocation of the artist in our Church. 

The article on “The All American Saints” was also excellent. 

Keep up the outstanding journalism. 

Anne Kreitsch 

Howard Beach


Kudos Father Cush 

Dear Editor: I read and enjoyed Father Cush’s article on the Pharisees. 

I have to say at the outset I know Father Cush, and while he is brilliant, he is the most delightful, humble, and truly spiritual person ever. 

That being said, I admit I squirmed a bit thinking of the times I acted like a Pharisee. 

How quick we are to judge following the letter of the law and not follow the spirit of the law. 

Thank you Father Cush for a clear thought-provoking message that turned around the way I was reading that Gospel. 

I will try to be sympathetic to Pharisees as I now recognize myself among them. 

Maria F. Mastromarino 

Manalapan, NJ


 Happy Birthday 

Dear Editor: Wishing the happiest of birthdays to John Amato. 

Thank you for your never-ending generous support to the Holy Family Catholic Academy family. 

You are constantly singing the praises of our school community, whether it be at a fundraiser, Mass, or educating our students of the importance of trees. 

May God continue to bless you and Laurie! 

Nancy E. Robson 

Fresh Meadows


Dorothy Day Is Also an American Up for Sainthood 

Dear Editor: Your article, (“The Americans Who Are on Their Way to Sainthood,” Nov. 4) omits Servant of God Dorothy Day, whose cause for canonization was submitted to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in 2021. 

The article also failed to note that if she is canonized prior to Servant of God Msgr. Bernard Quinn, she would be the first saint from the Diocese of Brooklyn, as she was born Nov. 8, 1897, 126 years ago, in Brooklyn Heights, where she lived a short time before her family moved to Bath Beach. 

Alex S. Avitabile 

Bay Terrace 

Editor’s note: No slight was meant to Servant of God Dorothy Day. Servant of God Msgr. Bernard Quinn was mentioned because his cause for sainthood is being handled by the Diocese of Brooklyn. Day’s cause is being promoted by the Archdiocese of New York.


Helping Homeless Vets 

Dear Editor: I have just read about formerly homeless veterans in The Tablet (“A Hole New Opportunity for Ex-Homeless Veterans in Coney Island,” Nov. 11). 

Well, let me tell you about my experience being homeless and others. 

There are many homeless veterans on Long Island and in New York City, and there are a number of reasons. 

Some are living on the street because of a shortage of affordable housing, lack of family, or are suffering from stress, substance abuse, and depression. 

I feel their pain. I served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era, and upon my release from the military in 1975, I found myself homeless and panhandling for spare change for food. 

A stranger named Cyril, who migrated from Nigeria, offered me a room and a chance to get on my feet. 

There are many veterans who are not so lucky. Today I am 74 years old and have been working for Northeast Plumbing in Mineola for 44 years. 

I am also a Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911. 

I am also a member of the American Legion Post #103 in Douglaston and serve at the Our Lady of the Snows Holy Name Society. 

Also, I serve at St. Anastasia Parish as a lector. I am also a member of the Catholic War Veterans in Glen Oaks Village. 

I think the reason I survived my homelessness is because the good Lord knew I had more to give to others. 

So therefore I urge our government to do more for our homeless veterans who have given so much to our country with pride and dedication. 

May God bless and help our homeless veterans. 

Frederick Robert Bedell, Jr. 

Bellerose


 Peace on Earth 

Dear Editor: Wouldn’t it be a blessed event if the pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters came together to protest Hamas. 

Jerry Kuzniewski 

Whitestone