LETTERS

Submitted on February 06, 2002

Send to friend Editor: Hope and healing Perhaps this is a good time to be reminded that our Catholic tradition embraces forgiveness and reconciliation, holding out a vision of hope and healing. Perhaps no where is the need for reconciliation and healing more urgently felt than in the hearts of those wounded by abortion. Theirs is often a hidden world of profound remorse, of darkness and despair. The death of a child through abortion is a loss of such magnitude that time not only fails to heal the wounds, it deepens them. Often grief becomes manifest through depression, chronic anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, fragmented relationships, loss of joy and spiritual alienation. If you or someone you know is trapped in this abyss, if there's a wound in your heart, do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope ... the Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace. Call Project Rachel, (314) 792-7565, where our Church's tradition of love, understanding and forgiveness is waiting for you with the promise of hope. Call because your Church loves you, understands you and wants to help you. All services are free, provided by licensed professionals, and totally confidential.

Molly C. Kertz

St. Louis Archdiocesan

Pro-Life Office

Editor: Safer world A recent letter to the editor suggested we pray for the eternal repose of all the victims of Sept. 11. I agree and I would also suggest we pray for terrorists, abortionists and other criminals that they be turned from their evil and misguided ways. I believe this would result in a safer world in which to live.

Victoria Moore

Webster Groves Commendation Editor: We commend your editorial of Jan. 18: "The gift of life." It is good that you say that the pro-life problem goes back to Griswold vs. Connecticut and that "contraceptive rights demand corresponding abortion rights," etc. I hope that the pro-life movement is finally recognizing that contraception is a primary problem. Also keep up the natural family planning letters, such as the one beside your editorial, which include comments on the NFP article in "the local daily." The Amy Welborn column was pertinent also. The world needs to hear more about "Humanae Vitae."

Henry F. Honigfort

Chesterfield Editor: Great Insult I am writing in response to a recent letter by Gwen VerMeer about the Harry Potter review published in the St. Louis Review. I have two boys, one 14, who has read all four of the Harry Potter books, and one 11, with whom I have read three of the books and we are currently on the fourth. We have all found the books to be very exciting and find the writing style of J.K. Rowling to be fabulous. Harry Potter is a story written so well that it draws children to read and expand their minds and creativity. There are many books, movies, television shows and computer games to be leery about. We as parents need to be informed and try to keep up on what could possibly be harmful to our children. It's an overwhelming task at times. Having read the Harry Potter books firsthand, I just do not understand where people are coming from. We are a good Catholic family who attends Mass weekly and spends time together in prayer. I take great insult to persons who act like supporting such a book or movie makes us evil. I, and my children, know the difference between fact and fantasy, and will not be mixing up potions in our basement because we enjoy Harry Potter. What grinds my axe more than anything is that those who seem to protest the loudest haven't even opened one of the books.

Michelle Rusch

St. Louis