Recent Letters

We have heard the shocking news about Father Ken Westray’s sudden death [June 25, 2020]. Many years ago, Father Ken and I were at St Patrick’s Seminary. Even in those early days, it was so clear. Ken was an energetic, joyful guy who loved the Lord deeply, and couldn’t wait to begin his service to the people of God as a deacon, then as a priest and pastor. Wherever he served, Ken was a faithful shepherd who, as Pope Francis likes to say, was “living with the smell of the sheep.”

In last week’s obituary of Father Kirk Ullery, no mention was made of his more than 30-plus years of service as chaplain to Handicapables (now known as Breaking Bread with Hope).

I was very disturbed to read USCCB president Archbishop Jose H. Gomez’ comments about the recent Supreme Court job protection for the LGBT community.

Several months ago the Pew Center published a poll that stated most Catholics no longer believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. If that is true it is due to the total failure of the bishops and priests to teach their flock in the most important truth of our faith.

A banner was put up in Los Angeles in Father Serra park to tell the real story of the St. Junipero Serra with a quote from Pope Francis. His statue was torn down here at this park.

In the article Clarence Jones was quoted: ”The problem we are experiencing today is precisely because we have been unable or unwilling to face the facts that are required for reconciliation.”

Woefully ignorant thugs have reached a new high in low in vandalizing sacred monuments in Golden Gate Park, notably the time-honored, beautiful St. Junipero Serra, Francis Scott Key and Ulysses Grant statuary.

In his encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” Pope Francis makes clear the interrelationship of care for the earth and care for the poor and disenfranchised: “Human beings too are creatures of this world, enjoying a right to life and happiness, and endowed with unique dignity. So, we cannot fail to consider the effects on people’s lives of environmental deterioration, current models of development, and the throwaway culture” (“Laudato Si’” 43).

Will the racism crisis be addressed on an archdiocesan and on a parish level, or will we resume Mass and include our concern in the petitions? There are many questions about how we live our faith in this moment, which we need to address together. The situation cries out for leadership. The hope demonstrated in the protest marches needs to be met with immediate response.

As a Roman Catholic, I am called to practice forgiveness. This is a central tenet of my faith.