Readers Respond 11-05-11

Transfiguration rises
Seattle, Wash.
    I’m glad to see the parish where I worshipped and went to school in the mid- to late 1960s (St. Raphael the Archangel) has been transformed, that is, transfigured. This is where I was confirmed and had my  first organ lessons.
    I used to appreciate the wall behind the altar, where I could see lots of figures gleaned from my imagination in the patterns in the cut stone slabs. I only lived in the parish during elementary school and the first two years of high school, but it’s had an effect on my life.
    I also remember Msgr. Aleman took off each fall for the World Series – if my memory’s correct. My family also worshipped at the UNO Newman Center, where I enjoyed the smaller, more informal Masses with the then-contemporary music.
    God bless your new incarnation, especially as you’re rebuilding the Gentilly area after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
KATHERINE MCEWEN
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Archbishop Hannan High dedicated to archbishop
Braithwaite
    I enjoyed reading from the first page to the last page about the life of Archbishop Hannan. It was with great regret that not one word or photograph was devoted to the school dedicated in his honor in Meraux.
    As a parent whose children attended high school there, I was sad and angry by this oversight, as was my son, Taylor Sullivan, a senior. Taylor received his ring at St. Louis Cathedral from Archbishop Hannan 10 days prior to Hurricane Katrina destroying our beloved school. I believe that the Class of 2006 was, in fact, the last class to receive their rings at the cathedral.
    In my mind, I can still envision, in the foyer, the beautiful case with memorabilia from our patriarch. In the case was a photograph with the archbishop, John Serio (our principal) and others.  Below were the golden shovels, with crimson and navy bows, used to break ground in 1987. On the side of this was a Blessed Mother statue, a gift from the archbishop.
    I never thought after all of these years I would be so emotional about our lost school. But it is still hard to pass the street sign that says Archbishop Hannan Boulevard and see empty space where our school stood, and see the Fine Arts Complex standing alone. The fine arts complex was special to me because my son Taylor was the last drum major to lead the band at the jamboree on Aug. 26, 2005.
    I feel all the students of Archbishop Hannan High School, Meraux campus, deserved to be recognized.
THERESA SULLIVAN

Kudos to Clarion
Metairie
    Taking time to send a message of congratulations and appreciation to the staff of the Clarion Herald for the special Clarion Herald Scrapbook Edition featuring a review of the life of Archbishop Philip Hannan.
    Together with the archdiocese’s days of prayer, public viewing, procession and liturgical farewell, it was an outstanding, unique and fitting way to remember and honor Archbishop Hannan’s life of service as our great shepherd.
    Throughout Archbishop Hannan’s service to the archdiocese, he always responded to our needs and those of the entire community. He  had the foresight and leadership to establish many programs that benefit those in hardship and help spread Christ’s love. Remembering him and his life of service will be an inspiration to serve the Lord and help our neighbor.
TONY STOLTZ