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Contents © 2000
by Jim Holman.
All rights reserved.
LETTERS
APRIL 2000
BLAME AND PRAISE
After reading the Mission for four years or so, I have noticed that many of your articles refer to Cardinal Archbishop Mahony only by his last name. I didn't see this in the latest issue [February], but I'd like to state that a respectful Catholic writer will use at least one of the cardinal's titles. This is especially important when you take issue with his actions or statements. If you want the Mission to be or look like a professional periodical, you must show good writing etiquette -- especially respect for churchmen in high positions. More light rather than heat is in order here.
"Oily Rags and Aristotle" [see March 2000 Mission] was an example of quality writing. As to the message it conveyed, I didn't know anyone had a life experience like mine. Pat Norris expresses observations on life that are similar to mine. I have never heard any one express them so clearly before. It can come only from someone who is steeped in the intellectual studies like those offered at Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, coupled with the practical "oily" experiences of a man who works with his hands. It can come only from a humble, yet wise, man.
Ed Decaen,
Santa Paula
YOU FOOL NO ONE
Matthew Shepard (1976-1998) was murdered because he was gay. Those who brutally killed Matthew acted in an atmosphere poisoned by the anti-gay rhetoric of political and religious extremists.
It is so sad that your publication, which should concern itself with teaching tolerance and love, understanding and kindness, and above all, concern for those who are singled out and viewed as "different," should waste its time and energy in the complete opposite.
Your publication fools no one. HATRED, BIGOTRY and VIOLENCE will never win! Political and religious extremists will never win!
Not in America.
Un Catolico Latino
YES, THEY ARE MAKING PROGRESS
Your February story [see "News"] on Father Liuzzi and his crowing boast in meeting with His Eminence on Proposition 22, "Roger, we're making progress," brought back the memory of my first (and only) meeting with the homosexual outreach priest.
He is right; of course, they are "making progress" in advancing the homosexual political agenda; in spreading error and confusion; in mocking Sacred Scripture and Catholic tradition. There is also "progress" in the continuing sexual scandals in the Church, with damaged lives, lost souls and huge amounts of money paid -- all part of the same corruption.
I remember Father Liuzzi on a Saturday morning, six or so years ago, when he addressed a men's club group. He said that he was establishing an outreach for the homosexual community and he hoped to expand his "ministry" in Orange County parishes, too. Then, he surprisingly turned his presentation over to his secretary, a matronly woman who accompanied him. She told what a blessing Father Liuzzi was to her and her son, Bobby.
Bobby (not his real name) was a homosexual, and she was praying that he could find somebody to make him happy. "Oh, if he could just find somebody to love!" she said, with tears coursing down her cheeks with the anguish of Bobby's loneliness. I thought She obviously intended a male lover for her son, which did not seem to perturb Father Liuzzi at all.
This maudlin, disingenuous theatrical convinced me that this was really phony business, lacking integrity and any Catholic substance, and I still feel the same.
Patrick F. Flynn,
Yorba Linda
YOU SLANDER OUR LEADERS
Please remove my name from your mailing list. I may not agree with my Cardinal Mahony, but he is in the leadership of the Church because the Holy Spirit desires it. I don't want any publication in my Catholic home that slanders our leaders (page 11, full page advertisement, "20 Reasons Why We Should Pray for Cardinal Mahony," January 2000 Mission).
Janet Jones,
Long Beach
AN APOLOGY FOR THE CARDINAL
Another year has flown by, and I'm grateful for the Mission -- especially for the advertisement, "20 Reasons Why We Should Pray for Cardinal Mahony."
We should pray, especially as regards Cardinal Mahony's neglecting and avoiding the opportunity to stand with Congressman Haynes regarding the vote on partial birth abortion. My husband wrote to Haynes and apologized as a Catholic for Cardinal Mahony's lack of zeal for the unborn babies.
This year will no doubt be another year when we must all be attentive to what's going on in the Church, and pray without ceasing.
Doris Farenbaugh,
Escondido
SO MUCH HATE
So much hate! You must be unhappy people. Very sad.
Anonymous