Whose Views?

As a Catholic who follows closely the teachings of the Catholic Church, I was very upset with a letter to the editor in the Oct. 21 Wall Street Journal, which likens the Pope to a “… famous old coach on a losing team.” It is signed by a Brett M. Decker, whom the Journal, in a feeble attempt of trying to validate the author, adds is a regular contributor to the National Catholic Register, among other Catholic publications. In reading the letter, it's quite obvious that Decker does not agree with the teachings of the universal Church.

Although I am not that familiar with your publication, I do see on your web page that you strive to be in tune with the Church, fed by a communion with the teaching of the Church.

My question for you is: does Mr. Decker write for your publication, and is this the type of anti-Church message you want to portray? Any time I read this type of self-serving journalism, I can only think that such so-called authorities would also criticize our Lord himself if he were walking on our earth today.

Thank you in advance for your reply. I plan to write a letter to the Journal myself, and would like to know your thoughts.

Tom Feick via e-mail

Editor's note: It may be unfair to infer that Mr. Decker “does not agree with the teachings of the universal Church.” Nevertheless, we deplore his use of the paper's name to promote a view contrary to its mission. Obviously the Register is not responsible for the opinions expressed in other publications by any of our contributors.

Ursuline Without Knowing It

In Sister Mary Thomas Noble's review of the wonderful book, Behold the Women (“Heroines Without Knowing It,” Oct. 4-10, 1998), she alludes to Marie of the Incarnation as being a “French Sister of Charity.” According to my New York Ursuline education, Mother Marie of the Incarnation was an Ursuline.

I do agree with Sister that the book is awesome. Last year, it was my Christmas present to myself. However, I would have appreciated a few pictures of Ursulines!

Mary Ann Fanning Houston