Tough sell

Mary Marrocco’s well-written and timely Oct. 11 essay “Superstition has no place in life of faith” disputes the charge made by non-believers that faith is only superstition.

Cardinal Thomas Collins recognized the thousands of volunteers across the vast Archdiocese of Toronto who have ensured a safe re-opening of churches during the COVID-19 pandemic with a special Mass of gratitude Nov. 4.

Racism virus

Regardless of what readers wish to believe (Sept. 27 letter to the editor), Canada houses untold examples of systemic racism. Now more than ever, partly due perhaps to the total disrespect for individuals of other races and beliefs as demonstrated by the present leadership to our south, violent acts of racism occur far too often in this country/province/city of ours. As Pope Francis states in Fratelli Tutti: “God has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity.” 

Serious decline

I read with some concern your article of Oct. 24, “Regis, St. Mike’s alliance in works.” When, during my tenure as President of the University of St. Michael’s College (2015-18), I found that similar discussions had been launched, I argued against the initiative. Our faculty of theology was losing money and students and was, in my view, struggling academically. To the extent that it had an identity, it was largely indistinguishable from the sad, secular drift of the Toronto School of Theology.

Democrat posturing

Stan Swamy is an 83-year-old Jesuit priest and for the past 30 or more years has helped the poorest of the poor to exercise their human rights, for which he has now been accused of being a terrorist by Narendra Modi’s BJP government and is now languishing in jail.

Active bishops

Re: Letters to the Editor (Sept. 13):

Mr. Ray Temmerman, a past National President of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace - Caritas Canada (CCODP), in his letter states: “In 1967, the Catholic Church in Canada chose to give birth to a new life, the organization we have come to know as D&P. It was to be an independent, lay-led, Catholic institution delivering competent, professional development aid.” Further, he states that in founding the organization the bishops then became its “fathers.”

Holy time

As a liturgical musician for more than 50 years,  I feel obliged to comment on the Sept. 13 article “Musical dilemma over abuse claims.”

Address by Pope Francis to the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 25: