Published: May 18, 2008 07:34 pm            

Readers' Forum: May 19, 2008

Catholics have many issues to consider

Much has been said and written about Catholics voting only for pro-life candidates, “pro-life” usually taken to mean only anti-abortion, non anti-war, anti-poverty, or concern about other human rights neglects and abuses.

Pope Benedict in his talk at the UN on April 18 spoke about several issues of grave concern. He warned diplomats that international cooperation is in “crisis” because decisions on urgent problems rest in the hands of a few powerful nations. (It would seem that a change in our foreign policy is called for.) He spoke about the struggle to achieve world peace and the development of the poorest regions.

Over and over he spoke of issues relating to justice and peace. He said that respect for human rights, not violence, is key to solving many world problems. He stated that the recognition of human rights favors “conversion of heart, which then leads to a commitment to resist violence, terrorism and war.” Questions of security, development and protection of the environment were also addressed.

According to the Catholic News Service report, one of the Pope’s achieved objectives in his visit was to “set forth a moral challenge to the wide U.S. culture on issues ranging from economic justice to abortion.” To the seminarians at St. Joseph Seminary he spoke again about a variety of concerns, about how the dreams and longings of young people can so easily be destroyed. “I am thinking of those affected by drug and substance abuse, homelessness and poverty, racism, violence and degradation — especially of girls and women.” He challenged them to reach out and make a difference. Echoes of these various concerns were evident in his homilies at Yankee Stadium and St. Patrick Cathedral.

It seems fitting to take our cue from Pope Benedict when we make our decisions on which candidates to vote for. There are many vital issues to consider, not just one.

— Kathleen Barnett

Terre Haute



Y.E.S. volunteers make contributions

Congratulations are more than due to Grant and Amanda Mansard for creating Youth Embracing Service (Y.E.S.), headlined in the Thursday (May 8) Local and Bistate section of the Tribune-Star, and for their being awarded Hoosier Rising Star Awards.

We are very fortunate to be blessed with two young Y.E.S. volunteers in our shelter program, one of whom hopes to become a veterinarian. Their gentle way with the cats, giving them care, love, play and socialization, and seeming to know what each cat needs, is such a blessing. These young people remind us that youth has an energy that, when harnessed, gives dedication and passion to the dreams that they carry.

Grant and Amanda have tapped into that energy and have turned a great idea into a directional flow of goodness that will forever affect these young lives and the community that they inspire and serve. May their futures be at least as bright as they are helping to make the present for themselves and for us all. Congratulations to all of the Y.E.S. volunteers and program participants.

If you or your group or neighborhood need help that youthful volunteers can render, don’t hesitate to go to Y.E.S.’s Web site and contact them. They surely will help to make Terre Haute — and this area — a level above!

— Lauren and John McBride

Ouabache Valley Felines & Friends

        

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