Election '96 and Beyond

I really enjoyed your Feb. 9–15 issue, especially the ideas expressed by Bishop James McHugh of Camden, N.J., in the news article “Bishop Calls '96 Elections 'Wake Up Call'for Hierarchy.” I was dismayed by the lack of direction and leadership during the '96 elections and wrote my cardinal to tell him so. We had a chance to do away with a lot of abortions and to get school vouchers (something needed since the beginning of Church schools in this country). Catholics should have been dancing in the streets. Instead we did nothing. We should be ashamed that 52 percent of voting Catholics helped put Bill Clinton back in the White House. We really dropped the ball on this one. Also thank God for people like Congressman Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) alerting us to the vote in the House of Representatives (”Congressman Crusades Against Planned Parenthood”) on “population assistance” funding.

Let's spend the money on Right to Life's efforts to aid needy mothers to keep their unborn children and raise them decently!

Joan Linenfelser Trenton, Michigan

Seamless Garment

This letter is in reference to an article in the Jan. 19–25 Register. I take issue with Mark Shields on his pro-life position, and with the Register for a headline which apparently agrees with his position: “Pro-Life Democrat Mark Shields Doesn't Flinch.” His “seamless garment” position on abortion is really not an authentic pro-Catholic, pro-life position. It's merely a way out for those who are not committed to pro-life. The “seamless garment” theory dilutes the moral urgency of abortion and puts it on the same level as a number of other (secondary) issues.

Abortion is connected to and the result of many other evils in our society. It stands out in particular by severing a most intimate human bond-the love of a mother for her child. With more than 33 million American women having destroyed their own unborn babies since the legalization of abortion by our appointed U.S. Supreme Court justices, it's an obvious sign of a society in a “deep” moral crisis. I would never waste my vote on a political “seamless garment” candidate. I would also be skeptical of any bishop, priest or Religious-or any other person-who accepted the flawed “seamless garment” theory. It is a dilution, a watering down of the moral issue of abortion.

John Uhls Alton, Illinois

Sacred Baroque Music

I wish to commend you on the excellent article of Dec. 29-Jan. 4 on Baroque Sacred Music by Sister Maria Agnes Karasig OP (”Musical Joys of the Christmas Season-Bach, Handel, Corelli”). No discussion on the subject would be complete without mention of Antonio Vivaldi and his “Gloria,” a truly wonderful and exuberant work. Vivaldi was a priest, but put music first in his life, which made him an object of controversy in that regard. J.S. Bach much admired Vivaldi's music and transposed and transcribed some of it in his own works. Both Bach and Handel studied the music of the Catholic Church. Handel spent some years in Italy as a young man, studying and performing with the greatest of the Italian masters.

Before Bach, there was Girolamo Frescobaldi, whose toccatas, fugues and sacred music were also studied by Bach. Frescobaldi was a Vatican organist for many years as well. William Byrde, in 16th century England, wrote many great sacred works and was a musical favorite of Elizabeth I, but heroically held on to his Catholic faith.

I think it is a shame that this music is rarely performed anymore in the post-conciliar Catholic Church. These works should be taught in Catholic educational establishments and in home study, but they are not. What a great heritage we are missing.

Patricia De Soto Susanville, California

Happy Baptism

Recently, the Holy Father said that people should celebrate the anniversary of their baptism as they do birthdays. I am compiling a book of suggestions; ways people can celebrate, spiritually, with food and festivity, etc., their baptismday. I've written a couple hundred but need more! I'd be grateful for any suggestions, each one should not be more than two or three sentences. Each person whose suggestion or suggestions are accepted for publication will receive one free copy of the book.

Please send them to The Monks of Adoration, P.O. Box 546, Petersham, MA 10366–0546.

Brother Craig Driscoll