The information in the Nov. 1 articles about the coming papal visit was quite good. The Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice has a course entitled “Listening to Indigenous Voices; A Dialogue Guide on Justice and Right Relationships.” Having launched a study group to delve into the course, I firmly believe that listening is an absolute imperative for every Canadian.

That said, it is unfortunate that Father Raymond de Souza’s column in the same issue focussed on the matter of money, proof that for some, Indigenous voices are NOT being listened to.

As for the article “Papal visit will build on years of dialogue,” its whole focus on an apology from the Pope completely dismisses the role of the Canadian government in its farming out of the running of the residential schools.

Mr. Trudeau, in true Hollywood fashion, has said the words, but regrettably is still fighting in the courts to avoid paying for the atrocious and unacceptable treatment of Indigenous children.

On the topic of who/which entity will pay for the Pope’s visit, the Catholic Church can very well afford to pay.

Penny Oyama
Burnaby

 

Thanks for Larissa Rossen’s excellent Oct. 11 article “Time moves on, but life is forever changed,” reflecting on the pain of losing a child.

The article not only gives help to people who have lost an unborn child, but it is beautifully written and clearly states the effects of trauma.

Please bring more contributions by this writer. There is so much talent in our Catholic community. Please give them a voice.

Marianne Werner
Vancouver

 

Dying With Dignity Canada is supportive of efforts to increase access and the supply of palliative care services across Canada.

It’s important to note however that data from Health Canada’s last annual MAiD report shows that 83 per cent of those who had an assisted death in 2020 received palliative care, and of the MAiD patients who did not receive palliative care, 88 per cent had access to it. 

MAID is not an alternative to palliative care, it’s one of a range of end-of-life options.

Sarah Dobec
Dying with Dignity
Toronto

(Euthanasia is not an alternative to palliative care but rather deteriorates it and deprioritizes it; witness the Delta Hospice situation. Alex Schadenberg at the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition says euthanasia proponents encourage those seeking assisted suicide to enroll in palliative care, which distorts the data on who is accessing palliative care and who is not – Editor.)


Thank you for all the letter writers in The B.C. Catholic’s Oct. 25 issue: John O’Leary, Thelma Siglos, Jonathan Deuling, Chase Conell, and Dean Clark. All of you have provided great insights.

Thank you, B.C. Catholic for publishing these letters. Praying that God shows us the truth about COVID and residential schools.

Bozena Szucs
Burnaby


Well, the Pope has met with “good” Catholics Nancy Pelosi and President Joe Biden. It seems everything is nice and cozy between these pro-abortion Catholics with the Pope posing with these two smiling and Joe Biden telling reporters that the Pope said to him that he was a good Catholic and should keep on receiving Communion.

This is scandalous and the Pope should come out publicly and correct this statement if he did not say this to Biden. If the Pope doesn’t clarify what was said between him and the president, he is causing confusion and division within the Church.

Michael Battle
Vancouver