St. Anthony's Parish

I was shocked to see the graphic photo showing doctors in surgery accompanying the story about Dr. Tim Kostamo who operated on Father James Hughes.

I am left wondering who the patient was in the photo and why such a moment was chosen for a photo.

I urge you to reconsider using such images in the future, respecting both the dignity of the patient and the sensitivities of your readership.

Lisa Marquis
Burnaby

(We cropped out the gory part of the Page 1 photo both online and in print. Unfortunately, when The Busy Catholic newsletter went out, it pulled the full image off our server without our realizing it. We also should have cropped the inside photo more. We regret that it happened. The photos were taken of Dr. Kostamo when he was on a medical mission to Ecuador and the patient is unidentified. – Editor)


I read Paul Schratz’s article about Kelsi Sheren “Returning from war to take on MAiD”  and was shocked, so I went to listen to the interview with Jordan Peterson (whom I have the utmost respect for). 

 I always try to understand both sides of the issue, even when I can only agree with one side.

 I found an article about an anesthesiologist rebutting the claims made by Kelsi Sheren. I am not claiming to support MAID, but if we are to be against it, the stand needs to be based on fact.

A fair presentation of facts should include both sides of the issue.  I do not support MAID, but I am disappointed by what appears to be fear-mongering on the part of someone who may not have the knowledge base to ask the right questions for a proper presentation of the facts.

Greg Neufeldt
Saanichton

(The rebuttal comes from Dying With Dignity, and its “debunking” of Sheren’s information comes from Dr. Stefanie Green, Canada’s foremost euthanasia physician. The author does not name the anesthesiologist and puts a great deal of emphasis on Sheren’s not being a medical professional or drug specialist. Following her interview with Jordan Peterson, Sheren interviewed Dr. Joel Zivot, who has given expert testimony on the effects of euthanasia drugs and how they can cause an experience “akin to dying by waterboarding or drowning.” He corroborates Sheren’s account. Readers are invited to read all the arguments and draw their own conclusions. — Editor)


I was pleased to see the Oct. 28 article about obtaining a plenary indulgence between Nov. 1 and 8, but it was incomplete. Besides visiting a cemetery, we also have to perform three other actions: 

  1. Mass and Communion 
  2. Confession within a week with no attachment to even venial sin and 
  3. Prayer for the Pope’s intentions.

The Church’s document on indulgences is free online and is called the Enchiridion of Indulgences.

There are many other ways of getting plenary indulgences, the easiest of which is to say the Rosary in a church and performing the three conditions above.

Kathleen Higgins
Delta

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