Letters to the Editor
Read an article from this issue!
Inside this issue:
- People of faith and courage
Experiencing God's love firsthand through the people of the Philippines - Acts of transformation
Mission has become a journey of transformation as life is enriched, changed, and certainly challenged
and much more..!
Many calls and letters came in concerning the death of Scarboro missionary Fr. Lou Quinn and the January-February 2008 special issue commemorating his life. We are pleased to share a few of the letters we received.
Inspiring
I write to commend and thank you for sharing the story of Padre Luis Jose Quinn. I found the entire issue of Scarboro Missions (Jan-Feb 2008) most inspiring and especially the heroic virtues of Father Quinn. You have every reason to be proud of this co-worker and member of Scarboro Foreign Missions.
Enclosed is a small donation. I would like to have 15 copies of the January-February issue on Father Quinn since I would like to share this with our 15 seminarians in the Diocese of Erie. Nothing could be more inspirational and uplifting than the story of Father Quinn and what he accomplished in his priesthood.
May the Lord continue to bless and reward you and your entire community. You have every reason to be proud of your co-worker in the Lord, Father Luis Quinn. Best wishes.
—Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman
Bishop of Erie, Pennsylvania
Your Jan-Feb 2008 special issue about Fr. Quinn was excellent. I enjoy them all! But this one is truly special. Thank you, I'm sure he has a special place in heaven.
—Mrs. E. Trepanier
Pointe Aux Roches, ON
Enjoyed the special issue on Padre Luis Quinn. A wonderful tribute. May he rest in peace.
—Mrs. J. Garron
Toronto, ON
The special issue on Padre Luis Quinn, S.F.M., introduced me to a faith-filled person of great accomplishments.
I have passed on the magazine to my two sons, ages 18 and 20, that they may be inspired to be men of action as they live out their daily faith.
—Pierrette Lavertu
via email
I just wanted to say thanks to you, your staff and Scarboro for the effort that went into this issue of Scarboro Missions dedicated to the memory of a true friend of us all – Padre Luis. The articles are indeed a witness and personal testimony of how he touched the lives of so many, many people. It is my constant prayer that his living spirit continue to disturb our own spirit when we are aware of the injustice being shown to the more vulnerable in our immediate community or wherever we have the privilege to call home.
—Daniel Murphy
London, ON
I wish to thank you for that wonderful write up of Father Luis Quinn, it was a great tribute to him, he worked tirelessly in his mission. God bless him.
—A. Gaudet
Cornwall, ON
"Padre Luis Quinn" – a most inspiring issue.
—M. Charette
Ottawa, ON
So enjoyed your magazine re Fr. Lou Quinn...May we all follow his example.
—E. West
Regina, SK
Just want to take a minute to thank you for having given me the opportunity to write a reflection about Fr. Lou for the special edition of the Scarboro Missions magazine about him. I had a chance to read the magazine yesterday and it was a beautiful tribute to him.
We leave for Ocoa early Thursday morning for this year's (mission) experience and I'm sad to think that he won't be there this time, but I know that his spirit lives on in the wonderful people there.
—Sr. Terry Ann Wilson, c.s.c.
Chaplaincy Leader
St. Joseph's Catholic High School
Cornwall, ON
[Editor's note: Every March break, Sr. Terry Ann accompanies a group of St. Joseph's High School students to Fr. Quinn's parish in San Jos. de Ocoa, Dominican Republic, to work with the people on community development projects.]
I was overjoyed to discover that one of our students at St. Thomas' College [Sri Lanka] had won a prize in the junior category of the Golden Rule art contest [Mar-Apr 07 issue] sponsored by Scarboro Missions.
At the orientation of volunteers in mission which took place the summer of 2005, a Scarboro missionary came and spoke to us. I was impressed. So when the contest was announced on your website, I sent away for posters and material pertinent to the contest.
Our school is up in the mountains (tea country), far from the suicide bombings and conflict between the government and the Tamil Tigers. Many of the students are from single parent families. It is ecumenical, having Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian students. Of the approximately 300 students about 10 percent are Christian, mostly Roman Catholic. It is a wonderful place for all the boys of both Tamil and Sinhala races, as well as all these faiths, to live together, study, and play as brothers.
So for one of these boys to win a prize is surely a real boost for the morale of this school. I was there as a volunteer teaching English with a young man who had recently graduated from Cambridge University in England. St. Thomas' College is having financial difficulties, thus we were called upon to help out. We really enjoyed our time there.
I want to commend whoever thought of this contest based on an interpretation of the Golden Rule, as seen in ALL religions.
It is a powerful message in this strife-torn world – strife based on so-called religious convictions. We need to emphasize our similarities rather than our differences. Thanks for teaching students all over the world through art.
—Shirley Skeans Newell
via email
Your issue of interfaith communities [Jan-Feb '07] is very relevant to the problems we face in this world. The articles offer hope in our difficult situations.
—Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Roach
Etobicoke, ON
I really enjoyed the interfaith edition, which is so necessary in today's world. Now I am going to read this special edition again – it inspires me.
—Dorothy Scanlon
Etobicoke, ON
I especially liked your issue on the Golden Rule and commend you for fostering ecumenism.
—Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lepine
Perth, ON
Your magazines are enlightening, thought out and truly Gospel oriented. Thank you.
—Sr. Geraldine
Sisters of Mercy
Conception Harbour, NL
I enjoy your magazine, please keep them coming.
—Mrs. Juliette Longtin
Toronto, ON
I teach in global studies in a community college that delivers an adult high school diploma program. I would like to use some of the stories from Scarboro Missions to supplement or replace some of the more pessimistic and dated case stories in our textbook. This would involve reproduction of some articles (for instance, I think Susan Keays' "A community transformed" from the Sept-Oct 07 issue is a wonderfully accessible explanation of microcredit) and linking to other items from a web page. Is this permissible?
I enjoy your magazine immensely and it certainly helps inform my teaching. The Golden Rule poster has been the centre of my classroom environment since I started teaching in this program five years ago, and my adult learners, regardless of faith background, are always drawn to it as a discussion starter. When we revise our provincial curriculum with the NS Dept of Education, I hope to suggest it as learning tool for all our global classes...
Thank you for your magazine! (And your website, which I am just starting to discover.)
—Connie McPherson
Adult Learning Program
NSCC, Marconi Campus
Sydney, NS
I enjoy reading every issue. When I'm done, I pass them on to a friend. Keep up the good work, missionaries, and may God bless.
—Miss Li
Toronto, ON
I just had to drop a quick note of thanks for the December '07 issue ["Scarboro in mission"], which I just received, and to let you know that despite the volume of material that comes by my desk as Chaplain and Religion Department Head at Blessed Mother Teresa Secondary School [Scarborough, Ontario], I always take the time to read through the Scarboro Missions magazine. And I always enjoy it and discover something valuable in each issue.
Thank you for your wonderful work in continuing this great support. Now I will pass the magazine on to the other members of my department for them to read.
—Dave Szollosy
via email
Your magazine is wonderful and keeps us informed of your work and situations.
—C. Veeken
Sherwood Park, AB
Excellent calendar 2007. Great work! Great stories! Interesting and important.
—Lawrence Martin
Gloucester, ON
I rely on your magazine to give me a ground-eye view of what is going on in the places where your people work.
—Mrs. Freda Schuett
Regina, SK
Great work, great magazine! Keep it up, thanks.
—Regina Corrigan
Toronto, ON
Allow me to congratulate you on the Language issue. I found it most interesting. With every best wish for your continued success.
—Fr. D. Pankhurst, CSsR
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Vancouver, BC
I wish to thank you for the wonderful issue of your magazine. "Language" is a great issue. Congratulations.
—Fr. Norman J. MacPhee, Pastor
Our Lady of Fatima Parish
Sydney River, NS
I have just received and read with relish the July 2007 issue of Scarboro Missions.
The theme "Language" immediately grabbed me as I am in the midst of a large and difficult assignment for the Aboriginal Mi'qmaw people in Eskasoni, Cape Breton.
The article by Ron MacDonnell is a jewel and I will probably be citing it in my official submission as Expert Witness to the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Keep up the great work. Scarboro Missions is, in my view, one of the best small magazines in Canada! Could I suggest Ron's article be nominated for the Canadian Church Press Awards. (I am a previous winner for articles on social teachings of the Catholic Church published in Catholic New Times.)
—Dr. Brian R. Joseph, Ph.D. (Harvard) on special assignment to Chief Charlie Dennis, Eskasoni First Nation, for Khattatr and Khattar Law, Sydney, Cape Breton, NS
I am the Pastoral Associate for St. Joseph's Parish and we are very impressed with your articles in the September 2004 magazine ["Water: Life before profit"]. Is it possible to have permission to reprint and circulate the article: "Living Water" by Heather Eaton and "Drinking Mindfully" by Marika Ince for our parish for their prayer and further reflection?
—Mary Murphy
Ottawa, ON
We appreciate very much the September issue of Scarboro Missions magazine. We want to be sure all of our Sisters have the opportunity to read it as we have a water focus throughout the congregation. What are the chances of getting 300 copies?
—Sister Joan O'Keefe, SC
Halifax, NS
Before I even finished my copy of "Renewing the Sacred Balance" [April 2004] I knew that I wanted some of my friends to have the same enjoyment I am having reading it. I want to be able to talk about it with friends. It is very beautiful...
—Irene Tanco
Burnaby, BC
I have to say that the magazine is one of the best reading materials around! And I thank you all for putting so much into this to make it an inspiration to read each month.
—Sister Janet Zadorsky, csj
London, ON
Well done
I just had to write and commend you on the April issue of Scarboro Missions magazine ["Renewing the Sacred Balance"]. During the first week of May I made my annual six-day retreat in St. John's. It was facilitated by a Mercy Sister from St. Louis, Missouri, who is the director of Mercy Center, a centre for ecology awareness and other earth-centered activities. The theme of the retreat was Creation and Spirituality.
I had with me the Scarboro Missions magazine. I made it known to the facilitator and to the others who were on retreat with me. All were duly impressed and those who were not already receiving Scarboro Missions took the address in order to subscribe.
This issue is very well done and documented, and gives the reader a greater awareness of the fragility and beauty of Mother Earth, of our role in the universe, and of how we individually can help to undo some of the atrocities that are being afflicted on our bio-home. It (and the retreat too) has prompted me to sign up for the David Suzuki Nature Challenge on page 8. Thank you for a wonderful issue.
—Sister Gladys Bozec, rsm
via email
I have just read a friend's copy of the April 2004 Scarboro Missions magazine. WOW.
I am working with a youth retreat next weekend and then a Christian meditation retreat...This material would be excellent for both...
—Marie Burge
Charlottetown, PEI
Catholic message not included
In reference to the April 2004 issue of Scarboro Missions magazine, "Renewing the Sacred Balance", it is commendable that you gave the perspective from various religious groups. It was an opportunity for them to tell your readers about their faith and how they practice it and understand peace, love and compassion. Suffice to say all are committed to a better world...
As a Catholic, it is disturbing that our message and the core of our beliefs are not included. There is no message of prayer, devotion to our Blessed Mother, the ultimate sacrifice of the crucifixion, the Holy Spirit, the communion of saints, and on and on. To eliminate these principles of our Catholic faith is to deny its existence...
Are you aware of the increasing number of Catholic students who do not go to church because they are told or perceive all religions are the same?
...We should not conclude that Christianity played a major role in the destruction of the sacred balance. In many parts of the world where Christianity is not prevalent we hear and see horror, hate, greed and revenge. It is our prayer that these people embrace Christianity and forgive and love each other...
—B. Farrell
Mississauga, ON
Enjoying reading the magazine, and the calendars are beautiful.
—C.R. Murray
Aylmer, PQ
...I am very impressed with your 'courageous' calendar. I use that term since you have included Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist and Baha'i holydays; in addition to days of note for our Orthodox friends who use the Julian calendar. This is wonderful and surely in the new respect we should have for these faiths as a result of Vatican II.
...Overall, your calendar is excellent and full of hope...May the Lord continue to bless your work...
—Michael Piette
Toronto, ON
Enjoyed reading Partners in Mission (October 2002 special issue). It is very inspiring to be made aware of the dedication of the laity.
—Marjorie Karn
Kitchener, ON
Really enjoy your magazine and wonderful photography. Your message of interfaith is well presented and thoughtful.
—D. Cotton
Burnaby, BC
For years now, I have been enjoying reading Scarboro Missions cover to cover. I have always felt blessed as well in meeting with the wonderful community members at (your Mission Centre in) Scarborough where I, as animatrice for Development and Peace, and my colleagues have found hospitality over the years.
Many blessings upon you and your wonderful work. I was especially thrilled to read about the interreligious dialogue you are so committed to. Having studied the world's major religions and having lived two years in the Middle East, I'm always looking for signs of Truth-based, 'real' dialogue, based on humility and compassion. It looks as if you are well on the path to opening up our minds and hearts to all of our sisters and brothers. Thanks for your vision and gift of inclusivity.
—Lorraine Dumont
Winnipeg, MB
...I always enjoy reading the magazine as it is always very timely and interesting. May God bless all your wonderful efforts on behalf of the Catholic Church in your missions and here at home.
—Vivian Lawrence
Ottawa, ON
I really enjoyed your summer issue, reading from cover to cover about the wonderful work of Our Lady's Missionaries.
—Dorothy Scanlon
Etobicoke, ON
Our Lady's Missionaries' special issue was very informative reading! It's great to hear, firsthand, of the help and guidance they are able to extend.
—Marjorie Karn
Kitchener, ON
I am very impressed with our young people (May 2002 special issue) and how dedicated they are.
—H. Lawnikanis
Vanier, ON
I always enjoy the magazine. The May edition was splendid, featuring young lay helpers in the mission. They are our witnesses!
—W. Agnew
Montreal, PQ
I love the magazine, in particular the March 2002 vocation (priesthood) issue.
—Sister Marie Gosse
St. John's, NF
We are renewing our subscription...Thanks for all the years of your most excellent publication.
It has brought into our home a loving connection with the people and their cultures in the lands where Scarboro missionaries serve.
—R. Boissonneau
Scarborough, ON
I enjoy your magazine and pass it on to others.
—Helen Chandler
Charlottetown, PEI
It is inspiring and faith nourishing to read about the work of our missionary priests in many different countries.
—Janet T. Young
Black River Bridge, NB
I read and enjoy your magazine. Your work is my work too...
—Rev. Reginald G. MacNeil
Ottawa, ON
I very much enjoyed the article on Monsignor Fraser (Jan-Feb 2002). I usually pass on my copy of Scarboro Missions, but this one is a keeper.
—Vivian Gregory
Alexandria, ON
I enjoyed reading the memoirs of Monsignor John Mary Fraser. He was a remarkable man.
—Theresa Whalen
Saint John, NB
Thoroughly enjoyed your special issue Jan-Feb 2002. Devoured every page including the pericope on subscriptions and postal rates.
Please renew my subscription for three years.
—Rev. D. Bourbonnais, OMI
St. Ann's Parish
Flin Flon, MB
What a splendid feature article ("Memoirs of Monsignor Fraser") you had in the January-February 2002 issue of Scarboro Missions!
...Of particular interest was his reference to the Irish-based Society of St. Columban. We grew up in Ireland, not far from Navan where the order has its principal house.
But we did not know it as the Society of St. Columban. Half a century ago and more, it was universally known throughout Ireland as the Maynooth Mission to China. Its monthly publication, The Far East, was read from cover to cover in our respective homes.
...Although we read about Bishop Galvin in The Far East in our young days, we did not know how he became interested in China until we read Monsignor Fraser's memoirs in your publication.
Our closest association with the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society was through the late Father Jack McIver who visited us here on a number of occasions, and who one of us visited twice in Eshowe (South Africa) to gather material for articles on the pioneering credit union work he was engaged in there.
—Professor P.A. Moran
Truro, NS
I have been reading Scarboro Missions magazine since about 1967 when two young seminarians from the Maritimes visited our parish of St. John Fisher in Bramalea, Ontario, promoting mission work. I remember that after mass they visited the homes of the parishioners and had a cup of coffee with us! We subscribed to the magazine and have been getting it ever since.
I have now been living in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for 28 years and continue to look forward to receiving the magazine. And I particularly like the calendar, which is in constant use.
...There is much to be done and much to learn when one lives in a country such as this, which has so many social problems, with people at the top of the social ladder being so wealthy and those at the bottom having nothing. The challenges are always great and one feels one is a part of the People of God trying to spread God's Kingdom in solidarity with people from every corner of the earth.
...Keep up the good work. It is always good to hear from people doing the sort of work one believes in and that together we can change the world!
—Helen Hughes
Sao Paulo, Brazil
via email
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Kathy Gillis, Editor — editor@scarboromissions.ca