| June 16, 2008 | Volume 83, Number 17 | |
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Consecrated virginity is misunderstoodCongratulations to Bernadette Snyder on making her perpetual vows in the Order of Consecrated Virgins (June 2 issue). However, I am finding that the Catholic Church is growing more obsessed with not how women serve the needs of the people in the Diocese of Richmond but with who these women are as defined by their sexual activity and sexual labels. Women have an intelligence and personality that is uniquely individual of their sexuality just as men do and are able to give of themselves to any project they are made a part of such as Ms. Snyder’s job as research analyst in the diocesan Office of Pastoral Planning. The Catholic Virginian gives the false sense that the laity are lacking when ministering in various positions due to family obligations. However, how does one truly determine dedication and faithfulness to one’s position? It should never be based upon the “virginity” of one’s body over the skills, commitment, integrity and heart of the candidate. It is a sad day when we read stories of good, dedicated women leaving leadership roles, and other stories of women committing themselves to virginity, religious orders and deacon’s spouses. Women have much more to offer than support roles, as even Jesus Christ saw and called us to be.
(From the editor — Bernadette Snyder responds: “I must clarify that my decision to dedicate myself in a life of perpetual virginity for Christ in no way demeans the value of married life, nor does it imply that the virginity of my body supersedes the talents God has given me. “My decision — and it is truly that, MY decision — is simply my response to a God who loves me more than anyone else ever could. No one in the church has ever asked me to take these vows or pressured me to do so. “I did it of my own free will with the desire to give myself completely to Christ. Perpetual virginity as a lifestyle does not define my sexuality nor does it define who I am as an individual. It is simply one of the many gifts that I have received from our Creator and it is my free choice to give that gift back to Him. “The only man I am supporting by the way I live my life is the man Christ Jesus. All else that I do to build up the body of Christ — which includes both men and women equally — is done in service to Him.”)
Death penalty in Va. decried by readerThe summer of 2008 will go down as the summer of executions in Virginia, I am afraid. After the U.S. Supreme Court approved a procedure for lethal injection in a Kentucky case in April, Virginia’s governor lifted a temporary stay, and our attorney general has moved to clear the backlog of pending executions. Kevin Green was executed for his crimes on May 27. At the moment, execution dates are set for two more inmates in a one-month period: Robert Yarbrough (June 25) and Kent Jackson (July 10). “The system” has kicked into high gear, and more dates will likely be set for this grim summer events calendar. When Kevin Green was executed, our attorney general said, “Justice has been served.” To me, that equates justice with the coldest, most cruel legal justification — revenge. I am not the only one who thinks this way. Virginia’s participation in the practice of executions has in the past been protested and condemned by papal officials, our own bishops, international leaders appealing on behalf of the European Union and individual nations, and humanitarian groups of all sorts. We can do better in Virginia. We have to do better because we have to redeem ourselves for a past history of executions and lynchings that testifies only to the basest side of our collective human nature. In casting blame it would be easy to point the finger at our public officials and leave it at that. That is too easy, though. We should all point the finger at ourselves and ask ourselves what responsibility we bear for a legal system that is so out of synch with the moral obligations we hear preached in church (I hope) and which so many of us profess for ourselves. When it comes down to it, maybe our real test is to ask ourselves: Given all the circumstances in the world today and in any particular case, who would Jesus execute? Or when would Jesus just stand by and let it happen? If things are going to change, we have to begin to speak up. Don’t just stand by and let it happen.
Reader angered by Chicago priestI feel that my Catholic faith is once again under attack. The Holy Father has helped to diffuse some of the troubles with the priest sex scandal. Yet once again we are under fire, this time by a renegade priest. After I heard Rev. Wright spew out his words of hatred I vehemently contrasted the difference between this man and Catholic priests. I told my non-Catholic friends (with pride) that Catholic priests never raise their voices, they are humble, respectful, kind, caring, loving and epitomize Jesus on Earth. Then (Michael) Pfleger (I will not give him the honor of the title “Father”) sounded as crazed as Wright. The archbishop of Chicago had a little blurp on his website that said Pfleger promises not to do it anymore. That is NOT enough! Thinking about this man on the altar giving communion makes me sick. I hope all Virginian Catholics will contact the Archdiocese of Chicago and say that we will not tolerate a spokesman for our faith that does NOT follow the tenets of our religion. I am so saddened by this scandal. We cannot afford to sweep it under the rug! College years are a time of soul-searching. I have had three children attend college and they have had to defend their religion to other students. Let’s give them the ammunition to defend our faith by taking a firm action in this matter. I want all of the nation and the world to know my faith as I do. Our actions in this matter secure our future.
Pastor supports work in rural parishesI’m sorry, but I have to disagree with one part of your generally fine editorial on the pastoral planning process and its implications for the future (“Pastoral plans submitted,” June 2 issue). Specifically, you speak of assigning a priest to serve at several tiny parishes as something too much to ask of anybody. Since this pretty much describes my job, please allow me to say that I do not feel particularly overburdened. Sure, it’s a bit of a grind to travel long distances for Eucharist with several very small communities, but it’s no worse than many folks’ daily commute in Northern Virginia or Tidewater.
I am particularly concerned that these parishes may be closed on the specious ground that we don’t have priests who can and will do the necessary work. It’s not for everybody. Still, some of us — myself most strongly — find ourselves far more suited to this ministry than to pastoring a suburban mega-church or even an “average” parish, whatever that is. Thank God, there are others who are the exact opposite; let us use the gifts of all our priests in every sort of parish.
‘War and motherhood’ omits women soldiersThank you for the opportunity to respond to the June 2, 2008 article, “War and Motherhood,” by Mary Hood Hart. I enjoy Mary Hood Hart’s column. As an active duty soldier, I was eager to read her recent article, “War and Motherhood.” Her perspective as a parent is a very important one. However, I was disappointed to read her mention of our honored wounded and dead as only “sons, husbands, and fathers.” It has been well documented since at least the Civil War that women have served in and with our nation’s armed forces. As it has been 25 years since I graduated from the United States Military Academy, I was personally disappointed to see that women — sisters, wives, and mothers — continue to be omitted from the group of patriots who have died, served, and continue to serve our country.
(Mary Hart responds: “I never intended to diminish the many sacrifices of women in the military throughout history. When writing this column, I debated on whether or not to include them, but chose to omit them thinking that it became awkward from a grammatical/literary standpoint. “I do know that at least two female West Point graduates died in the Middle East. Also I know that women are not yet in combat, at least on an official level. Even though it proved a bit unwieldy, I should not have left them or anyone else out. “I believe Rebecca Jones’ point is very valid and were I to write it again, I would not leave women out. I appreciate her bringing this omission to the attention of the CV’s readers.”)
St. Benedict School brings back memoriesI read with interest the article about St. Benedict School in Richmond (June 2 issue). As a graduate, many years ago, I would love to know about the campaign. When my Mother, Mrs. Hubert A. Daffron, passed away I made a final trip through some of my favorite places and memories of Richmond. It is wonderful to know that the school is thriving.
(Editor: The Catholic Virginian is printing Mrs. Cheadle’s full address since the article to which she refers says that St. Benedict School 90th reunion organizers are seeking the names and current addresses of former students.)
School 90th anniversary seeks alumni addressesThose interested in knowing more information as we proceed with plans for the 90th anniversary of St. Benedict School in Richmond (article in June 2 issue), can email us their information at: alumni@saintbenedictschool.org. Please make certain to send us your email address and your mailing address so we can update you about the exciting events that will precede the 90th Anniversary celebration. You can also mail your information to the school office at: St. Benedict Catholic School, Attn: Alumni Committee, 3100 Grove Ave., Richmond, VA 23221.
Divine Mercy image needs correctionI would like to thank The Catholic Virginian in assisting me in spreading the message of Divine Mercy and of the first World Apostolic Congress on Mercy held in Rome, April 2–6, 2008 (May 19 issue). There is one correction, however, that I wish to make. The symbol in the photo on page 13, is not the symbol of the Divine Mercy, but was the “logo” for the World Congress. The Image of the Divine Mercy is that of Jesus clothed in a white garment with His right hand raised in blessing with two rays issuing forth from his heart...a white ray which stands for the Water which makes souls righteous, and a red ray which stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. In other words, these two rays signify the Sacraments of Mercy (Baptism and Penance). Through these sacraments our souls are washed clean. The Eucharist is the blood of souls carrying life sustaining food for our spiritual journey. The image represents the risen Christ whose hands and feet bear the marks of the crucifixion. I think that most prayerful Catholics will recognize the image described above that is inscribed with, “Jesus I Trust in You.” If anyone would like to have more information about the Divine Mercy and cenacle formation they can reach me at Seeds746@cs.com, or call 804–754–1142. Thanks so much and many blessings to you for all that you do for our diocese!
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And, although the number of people affected may be small, the impact of abandoning our littlest parishes would be great — whole counties would be left without any shred of Catholic presence.