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November 16, 2011 —In December 1980, I spent several hours talking with Mike Hammer, a field representative in El Salvador of the American Institute for Free Labor Development. AIFLD, an overseas development affiliate of the AFL-CIO, was trying to bring some sense into the polarized politics of El Salvador, a country coming apart at the seams. A few weeks after we met, that violent polarization cost Mike Hammer his life ... [read more] |
GUEST COLUMNISTS: Bishop Conley:
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Letters to Editor: Gobble, Gobble, Gobble Well, we are getting closer and closer to Thanksgiving. We at Catholic Charities’ Samaritan House need dozens and dozens of turkeys. If we have enough turkeys, we’ll have them for dinner every Sunday until Thanksgiving 2012. Also, I’ve just been informed that we need lots and lots of blankets—not to wrap the turkeys in, but to keep our residents warm this winter. And we need a lot of razors. If you can help us, we really appreciate it. We will keep you in our prayers and remember you at the Masses in our chapel. Editor’s note: Samaritan House is located at 2301 Lawrence St., Denver, CO 80205; phone 303-294-0241; web www.ccdenver. org, click on “Homelessness” then on “Samaritan House.” Holy saints The secular Halloween has veered into conveying popular iconic costumes that express fantasies—fears and joys. That is OK, especially within the guardrails of a stable, affectionate family. It gives parents hints at the inner workings of a beloved child’s mind. To have the secular paired with a focus on the hope and promise of All Hallows Eve and All Hallows Day (All Saints’ Day) is a treasure and an opportunity to all of us who hold the holy faith . Is your child thinking of and working through thoughts about death? Think of St. Cecilia. The patron saint of music was martyred for her faith and purity with a sentence to behead her. The executioner missed his mark and she lingered for days with the horrible wound. During that time, she spoke with eloquence and beauty about her security in the love of God. Is your young man a warrior? Think of Pope Julius II—“The Fearsome Pope,” “The Warrior Pope”—who set himself from the beginning with courage and determination to fight for the Church in a time of great bickering and dissention. My appreciation to all parents who keep the faith alive through your love for your children. Laura Childs Martisius Deana E. Bossio |
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