LETTERS

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Contents © 1999
by Jim Holman.
All rights reserved.

January 1999 LETTERS

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Several years before I became a Catholic, Dr. Robert Santella was my gynecologist. I always thought he was an excellent physician, but I was troubled because I suspected from comments I inadvertently overheard in his office that he performed abortions. Even then I was staunchly pro-life, but I didn't feel I should sever my contact with him on suspicion alone, so I let the matter go. Not long after that, I discontinued seeing him for unrelated reasons. Thank you for confirming my suspicions although I truly wish I had been mistaken. I had been considering returning to see him for gynecology treatment. Knowing for certain now from your story in "Little Notes" (12/98) that he is indeed an abortionist, I will seek out another gynecologist. Perhaps News Notes could publish an article about local pro-life, pro-NFP OB/GYNs.

Name withheld
San Diego

(News Notes published such a list in April, 1995-- available on request)

DUNCAN HUNTER VS. BRIAN BILBRAY

The following is a copy of a letter originally sent to Congressman Brian Bilbray:

I have followed your political career from the days of Imperial Beach and have always had the utmost respect for you. As of late I am starting to have my doubts about where you now stand. I am Catholic, as I know you are, except I still am anti-abortion, but according to the Catholic paper (News Notes), you are for abortion ("Little Notes," December)!

Also many of us Republicans voted to change the mess that has existed for years. Some of the moal majority seems to have compromised their beliefs to please the politically correct far-left. Congressman Hunter is not Catholic, but he is totally pro-life and has made his position public. It has not hurt his political status one bit.

Also please go along with your Republican congressmen to impeach Clinton. He is a big threat to our country and done more harm to this great country on purpose that anyone could have done accidentally. It is with great regret that I inform you that if you do not vote for impeachment that I and many others will not support you any more.

D.H. Mikesell
Campo

MISQUOTE

According to the December 1998 "San Diego News Notes," I am quoted as saying in San Diego, "Sex is the second highest cause of death among teenagers" [see Little Notes, December, 1998]. I said no such thing. I said that "SUICIDE was the second highest cause of death among teens."

Nor did I say, "Vocations come from sex." I did say that if in God's plans human sexuality, the marriage act, has a basic meaning and purpose, it is that the married couple use their God-given gift of human sexuality to generate a responsible number of children. If they so do that, we'll have larger families out of which vocations come, as we know from wide experience and history.

In the 1950s, Pius XII speaking to the Large Family Association of Italy, mentioned that "the large family has always been the seedbed of vocations." Indeed!

Fr. Paul B. Marx, OSB
Founder, HLI

NO ONE SHOULD BE INTIMIDATED

Broderick Barker's article (December), "I Submit to Handholding," was almost word for word what I try to convey to those who wonder why I will not hold hands at Mass

Holding hands, after all is not part of the rubrics of the Mass. Because of the tension it causes, it should never have been permitted; it is not required and has no contributing value to the true nature of a Holy Mass. No one should be intimidated (intimidation is a sin) into doing any act that diverts one's attention from the Lord.

In church, Christ is always present in His Tabernacle. Even if you were the only one present at a Mass-- Christ is there.

In churches where perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is offered, one adorer is not deprived of the presence of God because he or she is alone. In these Holy places, He is always present and often alone.

Wherever else we gather (gathering implies two or more) in prayer to the Lord, He has promised His holy presence. He, who is wisdom, does not make His presence contingent on holding hands. He does not say, "where two or more are gathered in my name and holding hands, there am I in their midst."

Barbara Rodriguez
North Park

CORRECTION

Editor: In the December issue in "Little Notes" we wrote that Jonathan Connor was a former priest for the San Diego diocese. Connor was not a priest but a permanent deacon. We regret the error.

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