Heart of the controversy?

The cultural barriers and historically racist practices of the institutional Church are at the heart of the controversy at Our Lady of Guadalupe (“Archdiocesan leaders trying to help Our Lady of Guadalupe navigate discord,” Dec. 23). The promotion of pre-conciliar liturgical practices and cultural discrimination at Our Lady of Guadalupe causes concern for the spiritual wellbeing and personal traditions of parishioners. To honor the Virgin of Guadalupe, all God’s children must be called to the table and invited to be disciples of Christ. The message of Guadalupe and Pope Francis’ apostolic letter “Traditionis Custodes” must be followed in resolving this crisis of faith.

Ted May
St. Maximilian Kolbe, Delano

Prayers for parish peace

When I first heard about the conflict at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, I admit to feeling anger and disappointment. Reading the Catholic Spirit (“Archdiocesan leaders trying to help Our Lady of Guadalupe navigate discord,” Dec. 23), I heard an explanation of how well leadership listened and provided for all, such as inserting Latin into the Mass. Secular media messaged that the Catholic Church doesn’t really care about the people and their traditions. For some Catholics, this is another nail in the coffin of their faith. Secular reporting on Our Lady of Guadalupe is colored by recent scandals and the insensitivity of past treatment of native cultures, St. Juan Diego himself being but one example. Now I hope that all the people involved in this situation can sit on the ground together and come to a place of peace. I pray that St. Francis will raise up instruments of peace to replace injury, doubt, despair, darkness, and sadness with pardon, faith, hope, light and joy. May parishioners know that they are loved by God — and by the priests who serve them. May we all will experience the tender compassion of our God to bring light to the darkness and to guide our feet in the way of peace. May all Catholics seek truth.

Sue Zhulkie
St. Peter, Mendota

Commendable faith

To Gina, all I can say is amazing (“Why I am Catholic” by Gina Barthel, Dec. 23)! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your connection to the Eucharist in adoration is amazing, and your fortitude of faith through your abuse was powerful to read.

Rachel Heinzen
St. Odilia, Shoreview

History reflections

Thank you for the correction on the article “The Making of St. Kate’s” in your Dec. 9 issue. Here is more history: I graduated from Derham Hall in 1966, having entered as a freshman in 1962, the year the new school opened. The graduating class of ’66 was a very big deal for two reasons: We were the first class to go all four years to the new school, and ours was the largest graduating class in the history of Derham Hall. We had 90 graduates that year. The class of ’65 had 60. A convent was built next to the new school. This was a boon to the sisters who had to travel back and forth Monday through Friday by taxi from their rooms in Mary Hall Residence near St. Joseph’s Hospital. In 1996, the convent, still owned by the Sisters of St. Joseph, was repurposed as a residence for women in crisis. It is called Sarah’s Oasis, still going strong, and serves a great need in the community. The Derham Hall building is still a school, now part of St. Paul Public Schools and is called EXPO Elementary School, grades pre-K through 5.

Maureen O’Brien
St. Louis, King of France

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