Category: Opinion

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Mary C. Uhler

Mary must be pleased: Local group buys Durward’s Glen to preserve this ‘holy place’

Editor's View by Mary C. UhlerWisconsin glaciers formed the 35-acre valley in which Durward’s Glen is located in the beautiful Baraboo Bluffs near Devil’s Lake State Park. The valley has a natural spring creek and miniature canyon.

The area used to be owned by the Durward family, who came there in 1862. They have been described as a spiritual family of poets, priests, artists, builders, and writers.

Guardian of the Glen

The family erected a statue of Mary, called “Guardian of the Glen,” as well as the Hermitage and Glen Studio. Their historic home was accidentally burned to the ground in 1951.

It seems that Mary has continued to guard Durward’s Glen throughout the years. Mary Techla Durward, youngest living member of the Durward family at the time, gave the Glen to the Order of St. Camillus in September of 1932. She stipulated that it remain a Catholic institution.

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Mary C. Uhler

John Paul II: A model for us all

Editor's View by Mary C. UhlerThe first time I saw Pope John Paul II in person was at Living History Farms near Des Moines, Iowa, in 1979. The Holy Father celebrated Mass and preached on a hillside altar.

In his homily, Pope John Paul II reminded us that the land is God’s gift entrusted to his people “as a means of sustaining the life he created.” He called on farmers to be generous with food to help feed the millions who are hungry.

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Bill Dagnon, Baraboo

American society has been redistributing wealth from the poor to the rich

To the editor:

The column entitled, “‘Social justice’ is a complex concept” by Fr. Robert A. Sirico published in the April 14 issue of the Catholic Herald is confusing.

United States income has been redistributed from the poor and middle class to the wealthy for 30 years. The book Winner-Take-All Politics by Pierson and Hacker shows that in 2005 dollars, income of the 20 percent of American households earning the least rose from $14,900 in 1979 to $16,500 in 2005, or 10 percent. Average income rose from $42,900 to $52,100 or 21 percent.

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Mary C. Uhler

Keeping faith alive: In the places where Jesus walked

editor's view by Mary C. Uhler

Many people in the United States are facing challenges because of unemployment and economic difficulties. Budgets are tight.

However, the worldwide downturn in the economy is also affecting the people living in the land where Jesus lived and walked, where he suffered, died, and rose from the dead.

As we observe Holy Week and Easter, we especially hear about places such as the Sea of Galilee, Bethelehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. In all those places today, Christians are struggling to keep their faith alive and to live in dignity.

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Deacon Jack Fernan

In time of crisis, there must be peace and discourse

To the editor:

In a time of crisis in our land, our people are called to repent, to pray, and to praise God. We are to be a prayerful, sacrificial people. We are to be a “Light for the World.”

We are to forgive and start anew. We are to recognize that God calls us to reconciliation. We must reach out to our neighbor — to start anew and seek the highest holiness.

The common ground must be love, peace, charity, and respect for others. Our history of kindness must be carried forward without reservation for past hurts.

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Ryan Lipska

Public broadcasting does not deserve public support

To Mark Pattison:

I am writing in response to your column in the March 31 issue of the Catholic Herald about the defunding of public broadcasting.

I am very surprised and shocked at your overwhelming support! Do you not see the very liberal-mindedness of the PBS programming? Multiple shows constantly reaffirm the lie that evolution is a fact and not just an unproven theology.

Also, what about shows like In the Life that constantly affirm homosexuality?

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