Readers Respond - August 20, 2016

The God of second chances
Luling

The Clarion Herald of May 7 had a number of very interesting articles, but the one which touched me the most was the one by Beth Donze entitled “The God of second chances.” My very old computer was down and out at the time I read that issue of the Clarion Herald, and so I set the issue aside with the intent of commenting on the article later.

The Loyola Institute of Ministry (LIM) is to me one of the most encouraging attempts to give meaning to the lives of people in prison, some for life. And how promising it is to have men like John Balfa, Milburn Bates, Lester Williams, William Kirkpatrick, Herman Tureaud, and Felton Ledet take advantage of and give their all to this program. I will include them on my prayer list. It is so very encouraging, also, to learn that Our Lady of Guadalupe chapel at Angola is inmate built.

Incidentally, quite a while back I had commented on an article on Venerable Mother Henriette Delille which appeared in the Clarion Herald, and ever since then I pray to her every evening, asking her to pray for the Sisters of the Holy Family that they may continue the very good work which began under her many years back, and among other things I pray for prisoners, especially those unjustly there and to pray in a special way for Glen Ford who spent 30 years in prison unjustly.

– STANLEY P. BERARD

Dignity personified
N. Kingstown, Rhode Island

With a sense of emotion and admiration, I read the article about Father Raymond Fitzgerald in the Aug. 13 Clarion Herald and felt the need to contact you.

I was only in the presence of Father Fitzgerald on one occasion – the 2014 graduation at Jesuit High School where my grandson Joe McAloon was one of the honored graduates. I believe that was the last time that Father presided over this very impressive ceremony and though he was then very physically affected by ALS, he was able to present the diplomas where the young recipients accommodated his limitations as they were each greeted by Father.

My family had made me aware of Father’s diagnosis but that was not the lasting impression he made on me. His dignity, the respect that the students had for him, his faith and courage were so evident and I am blessed to have had the occasion to be in the presence of such an amazing man.

Thank you for your wonderful, heartfelt article. I am sure Father Fitzgerald has touched the lives of so many and I feel grateful that I was one of them.

– BARBARA MCALOON

True heroines
Belle Chasse

Thank you so much for that terrific article “Departing sisters leave city’s ‘Lantern Light’ glowing.” Presentation Sisters Vera Butler and Enid Storey are wonderful sisters who have established a phenomenal outreach ministry – Lantern Light – for the homeless and poor in the downtown area.

I had the honor of working with them for more than three years, being part of a faithful group of men and women who come every Tuesday to prepare and serve meals to our guests. This is just one of many groups that have made a commitment to working with Sister Vera and Sister Enid in serving those less fortunate.

I am honored to serve on Lantern Light’s newly formed board of trustees. The Clarion Herald did a great job capturing this ministry’s history, personalities and continued outreach. Great journalism!

– DAVID HARDIN