To the editor:
Here is a July 2008 quote from our new president: “Reproductive care is essential care, basic care, so it is at the center, the heart of the health care plan that I propose.”
Category: Opinion
Brother Dutton did more to help Father Damien
To the editor:
The story of Father Damien in the October 8 issue of the Catholic Herald was very timely coming just prior to his canonization on October 11. I wish to comment on the statement made relative to Joseph Dutton.
The road to world peace starts with each one of us
We laugh when women running for beauty crowns are asked about their goals in life and they say, “World peace.” We think it sounds silly to wish for such a lofty goal. How could one person make such a difference in the world — and achieve world peace, no less?
But upon reflection, I don’t think it’s an unattainable goal. Each of us can do our part to work for world peace. And I believe it’s tied in with respecting life, something to ponder as we conclude October as Respect Life Month.
Let your legislators know how you feel about health care reform measures
To the editor:
The debate on health care reform has been raging for months with the Democratic congressional leadership and various committees frantically trying to come up with a bill that will actually pass in Congress. But through it all, two things have not changed:
Praying Rosary helps us imitate Mary, do God’s will
To the editor:
October is the month of the Rosary. On October 7, 1571, Catholic forces defeated the Turks in the Battle of Lepanto. Thousands of Catholics prayed the Rosary and invoked Mary’s intercession and helped to achieve this important victory. In gratitude, Pope Pius V established the feast which became the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which we celebrate on October 7.
Defend right to life by feeding the hungry
Some people consider the “right to life” as dealing primarily with issues such as abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia. However, respect for life from womb to tomb must include caring for the needs of people throughout that spectrum.
Pope Benedict XVI reminded us of this wider pro-life view in a message he wrote for World Food Day, observed on October 16 this year. His written message was addressed to Jacques Diouf, director-general of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Need health care coverage, but not tax-funded abortions
To the editor:
As the manager of a free clinic, I see the growing needs of the uninsured every day. It is my hope we have health care coverage for everyone soon, as I believe it is a right of every citizen.
I do not want abortions covered by the proposed legislation and paid for with tax dollars. Abortions kill and can cause a person to feel a great deal of guilt and regret. It is heartbreaking to see people enduring such enormous self-inflicted grief!
Saying ‘I’m sorry’ isn’t always enough
Recently it seems like we’ve had an increasing number of celebrities and public figures apologizing for bad behavior.
When politicians, athletes, and entertainers are caught doing something wrong, they say, “I’m sorry.” We get the feeling that these people aren’t really very sorry about what they did — only that they got caught!
Don’t forget the power of the Rosary
What has the power to end wars, destroy evil, save lives, and heal people? Someone might think I’m talking about a superhero.
No. I’m thinking about the power available to any believer in the Rosary. This traditional Catholic devotion usually prayed on beads really has awesome power! How do we know? Our Lady herself has told us.
Remembering papal visit to the heartland
It doesn’t seem possible that it has been 30 years since Pope John Paul II made his historic visit to rural Des Moines, Iowa. As a young reporter, I was among nearly 350,000 people gathered on a hillside to welcome the Holy Father. It is an experience I’ll never forget.
As the pope celebrated Mass and preached to the throngs of people, it reminded me of what the Sermon on the Mount must have been like. I really felt the presence of Jesus in our midst that day in October of 1979.