Re “Archbishop asks health officials to reconsider public worship ban” (B.C. Catholic, March 1):
Consider the absurdity of having places like Walmart and Costco open while our churches, which follow all protocols, are closed!
We are fortunate to have the ability to follow Mass on TV, but we are starving for the bread of life, namely Jesus Christ himself.
I trust this government will heed the words of Archbishop Miller and allow us access to our churches with the ability to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion.
Thank you, Archbishop Miller. I pray that we will soon be able to attend Mass in person.
Sheelagh Barry
Victoria
I just finished reading Colleen Roy’s Feb. 8 column “Only God is respecting our freedom these days” and would like to congratulate her for the very good points made in it.
I agree completely with what she says and I’m not at all surprised at our limited freedom of expression. To be a Christian in Canada and speak freely on what we believe is not easy.
Grazia Buglioni
Vancouver
As a healthy 73-year-old, I thank Terry O’Neill for writing about concerns regarding B.C.’s triage policy.
In his Feb. 8 article “Rationing health care like limiting lifeboats: MD,” he quotes Dr. Paul Saba: “ICU and intensive care beds are and should always be available ...”
This would be ideal, but we are talking about a document that would kick in when the hospitals and ICUs are overwhelmed. Beds should also not be seen as physical beds. In hospital parlance, beds also means the attendant personnel who have years of experience and knowledge. These cannot be found in an instant; it takes training.
In his Feb. 15 article “COVID policy may favour ‘utility’ over age, disability,” O’Neill writes that the Catholic Church “… has no specific policy” on the triage issue. The Church also teaches that we should respect life “from conception to its natural end.” Medical care is there to support the body to help itself. At some point this is not possible, for whatever reason. Palliative care is then available.
When I volunteered in the palliative care ward of St. Paul’s Hospital we had patients from ICU for whom further care was useless. Palliative care was given and the families were grateful for the care given.
Margaretha Smits
Vancouver
Re Paul Schratz’ Feb. 8 column “Projecting fear and closing churches”:
It seems the only explanation for this bizarre situation is how much people rely on mainstream media for the facts, even though most people say they do not trust them.
The curtain has been pulled back on our hearts and minds, and for the most part what is inside is not very impressive.
Joan Davies
Coquitlam