Readers Speak Out: April 25, 2021

Total contradiction

Re: Faithful find worship restrictions harsh (April 11):

It’s true that government COVID restrictions put on religious groups have been harsh. In Toronto, the Catholic Church has co-operated in following COVID protocols. Despite this, our churches have been given stringent restrictions not applied to liquor, beer and big box stores. Why?

Before last Christmas a large retail store near us remained open with often many people inside shopping. Yet, a few blocks away our local Catholic church, comparable in size, was closed to stop infection.  A total contradiction.

Clearly government has little regard for faith, churches or the Mass. But St. Paul says that “nothing” can “separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:39).

Claudio Ceolin,

Toronto

Anti-MAiD

Re: Conservative Party  reaffirms anti-MAiD stance (April 4):

This story asserts the Conservative Party is “the only party against making it easier for Canadians to kill themselves with the help of a doctor.” Maybe this is true for the parties presently with seats in the House of Commons, but it is not true of at least one other federal party — CHP Canada. The platform of CHP Canada is clear and direct on this issue: “CHP Canada views euthanasia and assisted suicide as an unacceptable response to any situation, whether it is a terminal or incurable illness or a chronic condition.”

I urge you to be more thorough in your remarks about federal political parties. CHP Canada fully supports life, family and freedom in its platform and policies.

David Darwin,

CEO, CHP Ottawa West-Nepean

Special prayer

Since the beginning of the pandemic over one year ago, there has been a noticeable lack of comprehensive or unified prayers for the intentions of COVID-19, with the exception of a single petition for Good Friday. As a result I have written this prayer to encourage individual and family prayer especially at a time when the pandemic seems to be out of control.

Bishop Robert Kasun, CSB

Auxiliary Bishop, Central Region

Archdiocese of Toronto

Prayer In Time Of COVID

Gracious God, you who are the author of all life, and who desire the well-being of all people, during these dark days of COVID-19, increase in us respect and reverence for all human life.
Grant restored health to the sick,
Comfort and hope to the dying,
Eternal peace for those who have died,
Strength to family members, relatives, clergy, friends and volunteers,
Renewed energy to hospital workers, PSWs, nurses and doctors,
And perseverance to all in the health care professions.
Grant wisdom to scientists for the development of effective and moral vaccines,
Discernment and right judgment for legislators,
Aid to the discouraged, poor and vulnerable,
Courage and justice for front-line workers and all who risk their lives for the benefit of others,
And keep always in our minds the vision of the true common good of all the world.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Written for the Toronto Chinese Catholic Task-Force in support of their “National Thank, Care and Support COVID-19 Heroes” initiative.)