St. Francis Prep Pride, and the Legacy of Vince Lombardi
Dear Editor: I would like to add a footnote to Jim Mancari’s Sept. 26 article (“Terriers Played in Prestigious HS Football Game”), which talks about St. Francis Prep alum (’33) and Hall of Fame coach Vincent Lombardi.
In 1932, St. Francis won the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Championship, and Lombardi, the Terrier’s fullback, received All-City recognition. At the conclusion of the season, St. Francis played the PSAL Champion, the powerful Erasmus Hall, led by golden-arm quarterback and future NFL Hall of Famer, Sid Luckman. Erasmus shut out St. Francis 13-0.
Lombardi went on to coach the Green Bay Packers to five championships in seven years.
Brother Ed Kent, OSF
Fresh Meadows
Thanks for Sharing My Memories On ‘Sunday in the City’
Dear Editor: Indeed, it was a pleasure to recently meet with Jessica Easthope of The Tablet and share memories of Bishop Sheen from my college (Cathedral Prep Seminary) and summer years (1964-66) working in his office at the Propagation of the Faith in Manhattan.
Her professional demeanor, friendly personality, thoughtful questions, knowledge of the topic, videography, and genuine listening skills all show a gifted journalist. Her report for The Tablet’s “Sunday in the City” episode on Sept. 25 so accurately reported our conversation, my respect for Bishop Sheen, and the cause for his sainthood. I am thankful you put my memories into a format my children, grandchildren, and friends can enjoy.
My wife, Kathy, and I attended the long-overdue beatification in St. Louis and Mass of Thanksgiving the following day in Peoria, Illinois. We pray the canonization ceremony comes during my lifetime and that Jessica calls for another interview.
To her and to The Tablet, in Bishop Sheen’s memorable words, “God love you!”
John Reemmer
Seaville, N.J
I was in Bishop Valero’s company a number of times when I was principal of Blessed Sacrament School in Jackson Heights (“Brooklyn Bishop Valero Broke Ground for Hispanic Catholics,” Oct. 3), and he was in residence there at the rectory. Very kind!
Barbara Niebuhr Kingston via Facebook
Congrats and thanks to Father Ed and the people of his parish (“Welcoming the Stranger, One Meal at a Time” Oct. 3) for the strong and compassionate response to the children of God in need. This indeed challenges us all to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, irregardless of documents or politics.
Daniel Hartnett via Facebook
LOVE, LOVE that Blessed Fulton (“Blessed Fulton Sheen, ‘A Gift to the Whole Church,’ Celebrated at Mass,” Oct. 3) is pictured holding a piece of chalk, as I witnessed “Life Is Worth Living” in the day, and he always said he could not draw so he left it “up to his angel.” My family joined every Tuesday evening to watch him! Thanks be to God for rewarding him for his contribution!!
ellenscanlonfox via Instagram
My beloved aunt (Rosalie Spelman) was a proud graduate of the class of January ‘56 (“Bishop McDonnell Students Return to Celebrate 100 Years of Memories,” Oct. 3). She spoke often and lovingly about her time at “Bishops” and how grateful she was for the education she received. As a ’77 TMLA graduate, we shared some “Bishops” faculty.
God bless those Bishop McDonnell graduates and the dedicated women who taught them.
Patricia Dietz Markham via Facebook