The Catholic Register - Readers Speak Out

Written by Catholic Register Readers,

Needlessly rude

The tone of voice in the letter (“Rubics ignored,” July 20-27) written by John Crosby seemed rather rude to me, to say the least. To attack the Jesuit order the way he did was uncalled for, especially when he doesn’t know the facts.

He said, “My understanding is that Mass can only be celebrated in a Catholic church.” Think back to when Pope John Paul II celebrated an open air Mass at Downsview Airforce Base for World Youth Day 2002. I personally have attended Mass where earthenware chalices were used.

He also asked, “What is to stop the clay chalice from tipping over when it is placed on a bale of hay?” Let’s suppose a gold chalice was used instead, what would stop it from tipping over? Do you really think that the Jesuits are that arrogant and don’t know what they are doing?

David Mitchell
Oshawa, Ont.

Bias showed

As have many of your writers and readers, I have objected to the decision to award Henry Morgentaler the Order of Canada. I have written letters of protest because I do not believe in awarding killing and the creation of clinics that make it easier. However, the mentality of pro-life proponents has often disturbed me.

Now we have Gwendolyn Landolt, national vice-president of REAL Women, complaining that the award is being given for political reasons. To quote her, she says, “Over the years, the Order of Canada has mainly been awarded to feminists, homosexuals, environmentalists, left-wing broadcasters, writers and others involved in promoting the political left” (“Order of Canada ‘dishonour,’ ” July 20-27). Since none of these categories is condemned by the Catholic Church or even by society, I think it is to be seen as a statement of the political values of REAL Women, which should henceforth be called REAL Conservative Women.

Virginia Edman
Toronto, Ont.

Already tarnished

Your July 20-27 issue declared “Order of Canada tarnished,” referring to Dr. Henry Morgentaler’s receipt of Canada’s top civilian honour. There is a saying that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

Another recipient of the Order of Canada was Cardinal Gerald Emmett Carter. Cardinal Carter was the bishop of the diocese of London from 1964-1978, and then the archbishop of Toronto from 1978-1990. He was named a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1982. In 1982, few people were aware that Carter, when bishop of London, failed to effectively deal with now convicted pedophile priests such as Fr. Barry Glendinning, Fr. John Harper and Fr. Charles Sylvestre. During Carter’s tenure in London the diocese was aware of the predilections of these priests but reacted by simply transferring the offenders to new assignments. Only now are we beginning to learn the depth of the damage done to the victims, the church and society as a result.

Therefore, if we are going to debate who has tarnished the Order of Canada I would start right in our own Catholic backyard with Cardinal Carter. I know that the victims of these priests, who we now know total over 100, would agree.

Robert P.M. Talach
London, Ont.

Much has changed

In his July 20-27 letter, “Push for change,” Murray Morgan wisely urges two approaches to addressing such issues as the ordination of women. The first is our need to maintain a strong loyalty to church dogma. The second is that we, laity and clergy, exercise our intellects in seeking contemporary solutions to such challenges.

There are many issues that for all of us as Catholics require dialogue, debate, deliberation and determination to find solutions based on where reason takes us within the parameters of stated dogma. Such intellectual searching can and must take place. Our societal development is not based solely on what tradition has held or what custom has urged but what appears to best suit our needs of the times.

Much has changed in the church that was once thought unthinkable. Much has changed in our societal mores that was once thought unthinkable. Much more will change in both spheres as we laity and clergy think, and pray, together.

I commend Mr. Morgan.

Francis J. Turner
Toronto, Ont.

Latin for everybody

The universal church (one, holy, catholic and apostolic) warrants a universal liturgy. A universal liturgy (the Mass) requires an unchanging language in which to announce that liturgy to the world. Latin is the only language today that can fulfil this function. When, where and how this most solemn expression of the universal sacrifice is used is a matter for wise and prayerful deliberation, in a spirit of generous and humble recognition of the surpassing greatness of God’s gift to us.

Frances Ballantyne
Oakville, Ont.

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