Dear Editor: In his column, Put Out Into the Deep, in the Aug. 1 issue of The Tablet, Bishop DiMarzio states, “We receive so much from the generosity of our priests, but they also need our help. It is our responsibility that they receive proper care and compassion from us for all that they have given to us.” While the need to provide proper physical care for our retired priests is unquestionable, isn’t the need to provide for their emotional and communal needs equally as important? In doing so we may actually be helping improve their physical condition.

During a recent visit with some of our retired priests at Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, it was gratifying to see the wonderful care and attention given to our retired priests by the very attentive staff. What appeared to be missing, however, were visitors.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if each parish in our diocese would arrange, on a scheduled basis, for parishioners to visit and interact with our retired priests?

I expect that many of these men who gave their lives in service to their parishioners would welcome a visit from those in parishes where they may have served. Or, for that matter, from anyone who is willing to make a small sacrifice of time to brighten the day of these men who gave so freely to us.

 

FRANK CHIARCHIARO

Dyker Heights