ZE090411
ZENIT
The World Seen From Rome
Daily dispatch - April 11, 2009
An Idea for this Holy Week
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LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
Charity and Philanthropy
Grace Under Fire
Eloquence at Notre Dame
The Whole Truth
US Not So Faithless
Card-Carrying Catholic
A response to: Pope: Charity Is More Than Philanthropy
May I add my "Amen" to the Pontiff's message on the meaning of Christian charity, or love, compared to philanthropy, a secular version of brotherly love (phileo) for mankind (anthropos). In contrast, Jesus told his followers, then and now, to mimic him in practicing his love (agapao), the ultimate sacrificial and unconditional love concerned not merely with the transient worldly needs of the poor, but the far more important eternal destinies of the lost multitudes. We all must be fishers of men, in Jesus' words. Or as someone aptly observed: Shepherds of the flock do not make sheep, sheep do -- through our actions, deeds and words.
Herman Rutner
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A response to: Criticism Is Regrettable
Thank you Alfred Adewale Martins for your compassionate article about our Holy Father. He is misunderstood and misquoted. He keeps grace under fire. When we must ponder on the agony of our Lord in this Lenten Season, we see in our Holy Father the true example of one who suffers quietly. We join in prayer with the faithful for His strength, courage, deep humility that we may learn to be meek as he is in the example of our Lord.
God bless him always,
Prayerfully in our Eucharistic Lord Jesus,
Regina Barzyk
Diocese of Raleigh North Carolina
USA
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A response to: On Notre Dame, Law Degrees, and Catholic Politics
Mariangela states so eloquently the central, broader issue. Catholics are divided against ourselves. Are there some issues (pro-life) that must trump other issues (rights of the poor, no torture, etc.)? And how do we advance some causes when the leaders of them advance other causes that are antithetical to the Church's teachings? Well done, Mariangela!
Jim Vonau
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A response to: Notre Dame, Obama and the Catholic Brand
This article deserves to be picked up and reprinted in every publication that calls itself Catholic. It offers the most succinct statement I've yet seen of how we should approach the problem of Catholic disunity. We can and must unmask the secular religion that has already crept over much of the world. Call it Secularism if you wish, but be mindful of its religious character and its appeal to blind faith. Reason is our most powerful weapon, intellectual indolence is the enemy, and in the United States of America the First Amendment is on our side.
C. Edward Collins
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A response to: Poll: Most Americans Celebrate Easter
Thanks. It is encouraging for many of us Christians in Europe to read the results of such polls coming from the USA. Although I do not have official polls of service attendance during the Easter holidays from Austria, I do not think that so much as we have seen in America would be attending this time. My parish belongs to those where attendance of services on such feasts is large, but the attendance is never more than 40% on its strongest day, the Easter Vigil. There is a very strong wind of secularism in Europe now fueled by nonbelievers and menacing public media that is getting ever-stronger, lacking respect, and critical of Christianity, especially Catholics.
It is really nice to read that people in the USA are not so "faithless" as the media in Austria would want us to believe. Thanks a lot.
Nikolas O. Abazie
Austria
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A response to: Urging Catholics to Be Card-Carrying Members
I am 56 years old and have carried a thin plastic card such as this in my wallet since high school. It is pretty well worn now, but it states this same sentiment, "I am a Catholic. In case of accident or danger of death call a priest."
The card is white, most of the lettering blue, but the important bits are bolded red letters. Long ago, I added in pen, the word "please". I hope that someday if needed, this request would be honored by emergency personnel. The flip side of the card states, why I am a Catholic.
I love my God, my faith and my Church ... the last faces I hope to see are loved ones and a priest. I'd never leave home without it.
Jenny
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