Last Updated:Friday - 09/24/2010

WCR Letters to the Editor

John Paul called us to peace

I appreciate the following words given by Pope John Paul II and we all know that this violence-prone world of ours needs them badly.

"I call to everyone, Christians and the followers of other religions, to work together to build a world without violence, a world that loves life and grows in justice and solidarity" (Kazakhstan, September 2001).

"I insist on repeating clearly to all, once again, that no one may kill in God's name" (quoted in the Winnipeg Free Press, Jan. 11, 1998).

"War is an adventure without return" (Christmas Day speech, 1990, on eve of Gulf War).

"On my knees I beg you to turn away from the paths of violence and return to the ways of peace" (addressing "all men and women engaged in violence" Drogheda, Ireland, Sept. 29, 1979).

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everybody listened to these words? I mean actually listened and then actually obeyed.

Albert Einstein has said, "The pioneers of a warless world are the young men who refuse military service." (We'd like the "other" side to listen to this, but why not we?) That takes courage and especially so when your own country is at war.

Are Catholic young men (and women) ready to listen to the pope and say loudly and clearly that they cannot kill in God's name? I think a number are, but to make giant changes for peace, it needs "armies" of such young people. The words, "Peace is patriotic" (billboard message in the U.S.), may be of help.

Stan Penner
Landmark, Man.

Readers help soup kitchen

I would like to thank the WCR for printing the article on Father Yvon Levaque's soup kitchen (WCR, March 28). I (along with two young friends from Korea) had the privilege of being at Bissell Centre on Friday, April 15, and thanks to the generosity of your readers, Father was able to feed hundreds of hungry people.

He had 300 hot dogs, two large pots of stew, a large box of oranges, lots of day old pastry and gallons of orange juice. In less than an hour everything was gone and there were still people in line.

Father Levaque wishes to thank everybody either by phone or by mail but if he misses a few, he asks forgiveness.

Janet MacLellan
Edmonton

Letters to the Editor

Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the views of the WCR.

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