Moving Words

After reading your March 16-22 edition, I wanted to take a moment to respond to the homily section, “Next Sunday at Mass: Passion Sunday,” by Peter John Cameron OP. Two of Father Cameron's statements touched me more deeply than anything I have read for a long time. The lines are as follows:

“And yet, every moment that we take our eyes off the crucifix, every moment that we make the source and summit of our life something other than the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we make a mockery of the crucified one.”

“Those courageous enough to look upon the crucifixion truthfully in all its horror and magnificence become transformed by its power.”

Normally, I skip over this section. I assure you that after reading this week's article, I will not do so again. Please convey my best wishes to Father Cameron. I will cut out this article and put it in my Bible for safekeeping to refer to often. It is profound and touching in its intensity.

Thank you for your excellent newspaper.

Charleen Luther

Augusta, Georgia

Senator Santorum's Critique

Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) should back off from his criticism of Catholic Charities in one aspect and keep the “heat on” in another (“Bishop Asks Senator Santorum to Rescind Critique of Charities,” March 23-29). Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Sullivan of Brooklyn makes a valid point about legitimate help for the poor. The act of charity can be separated from the act of faith and it is not wrong for Catholic Charities to accept federal money in its charitable function.

However, the senator is right on in his criticism of the liberal mentality that prevails in both Catholic Charities and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on the social issues. Some consider themselves “pro-life” when they turn a blind eye towards illegitimacy. Any social legislation that is, in effect, tolerant towards illegitimacy is “pro-choice,” like it or not, that is a fact.

Paul Trouve

Montague, New Jersey

Chrétienté-Solidarité

It was unfortunate that Robert Kelly, is his article about the long-term “occupation” by the Society of St. Pius X of the Church of St. Nicholas du Chardonnet is Paris (“In Paris, A Somber Anniversary,” March 30-April 5), chose to launch a gratuitous attack on the motivations and activities of a group of Catholic activists in full communion with the Holy See, namely, Chrétienté-Solidarité.

Kelly seems to have a particular problem with the links that the leadership of that organization maintain to the National Front Party. In this legend it should be noted that despite the reservations many may have concerning the National Front, it is the only major party in France that defends the natural law, most notably as it pertains to the sanctity of human life. It is also one of the few organizations that seek to inform contemporary political discourse in France with elements drawn from her Catholic cultural heritage, and provides an important alternative voice through such publications as the Paris daily Présent. As to the insinuation of racist motivations in the prudential opposition by some Catholics to massive immigration, mainly by people of Arab, origin, it should be noted that among the many charitable works carried out by Chrétienté-Solidarité is a program of aid to our Christian brothers and sisters in need in Lebanon and other Arab countries.

When I was in Paris it was my privilege to observe large groups of happy and committed young people attending Mass celebrated according to the “traditional” rite, with the full approval of Rome and of the French hierarchy. These young people are involved in a revival of piety and apostolic zeal in France, exemplified by the growing annual Pentecost pilgrimage from Paris to Chartres (organized in part by Chrétienté-Solidarité) and by the recently-established Benedictine Abbey of Ste. Madeleine in Le Barroux, initiatives that have received blessings and encouragement from the Holy Father himself. It is regrettable that Kelly chose to strike such a divisive note, particularly during Holy Week, when we reflect on the prayer of our Lord at the Last Supper, that all who follow him may be one (Jn 17, 21).

Christopher Zentner

Glen Oaks, New York