John Paul II's influence made this world a better place
Letters to the EditorPublished April 5, 2005
The death of John Paul II gives us pause to reflect on the life of the man and his influence on our world. There is no other office in the world that has such influence over so much, yet power over so little.
The Holy Father gave us his message of the dignity of persons, the culture of life, and the quest for everlasting peace among all people of the world, not just Catholics. Pope John Paul II wanted for all people of the world to live in peace, love and with respect for themselves and from others.
The Holy Father's work to bring about peace and dignity of the person is not done. It is time for each of us, Catholic or not, to take up the task so that the least among us shall be safe and secure in the beliefs and their person. We must strive for an everlasting peace.
We all pray that it may be said upon our death that the world is a better place because we were in it. We can certainly say that about this humble son of Poland. John Paul II, servant of the servants of Christ, your work is done here. May you now enter into the arms of the Father.
-- Matthew O'Neil, Clearwater
The Jewish community mourns
Pope John Paul II will be remembered for his unparalleled religious leadership, his historic role in the collapse of Communism, and as a universal voice of conscience in troubled times.
The Jewish community also will remember him with particular affection. Pope John Paul II was the first pope ever to visit a synagogue; to honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust with a memorial concert in the Vatican; to establish full relations between the Holy See and the State of Israel; and to make an official visit to the State of Israel.
His forceful condemnations of anti-Semitism as a sin against God and man were highlighted by the liturgy of repentance that he initiated on the eve of the millennium, asking forgiveness for sins committed by Christians against Jews down the ages - a text that he subsequently personally placed at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
In his historic role in advancing dialogue between religions throughout the world, his contribution to Christian-Jewish reconciliation crowns his achievements.
The American Jewish Committee profoundly mourns the passing of Pope John Paul II. His memory will remain as a great blessing.
-- Joe Mendels, chapter president, and Edda S. Post, executive director, West Coast Florida Chapter, American Jewish Committee, Sarasota
Pope will live on in our hearts
His life was lived and now he lives forever.
I am not a religious fanatic but I am a Roman Catholic and believe in my God and the Holy Spirit. Although the Catholic religion has been under much scrutiny, Pope John Paul II held it together and never intruded on anyone other than asking all people to join together, live together and have peace together.
Pope John Paul II will live forever in my heart, not only as a man but a monument to accepting God's will in realizing when it was time to let go. God bless Pope John II and may God bless all the disbelieving.
-- Jack Burlakos, Kenneth City
A proper memorial
A great spiritual leader has died and people the world over now wish to offer their condolences as they express "May he rest in peace" as well as other kind words and nicities.
I can't help but think, like hungry artists whose work is never fully appreciated until after they die, so too, Pope John Paul II failed to realize the fruits of his labor as one and all turned to their own way and did what was right according to their own eyes.
It seems to me, now that he is gone, the best way to show our respect and memorialize this great human being, instead of through mere words, would be to put his teachings regarding the moral issues of the day into practical application in our daily lives so that people the world over can echo his final proclamation ... Amen!
-- Len Vivolo, Clearwater
The world was his parish
Every day, in every Mass, in every Catholic church, all around the world, the faithful recite the creed, that says in part, " ... we believe in one, holy, Catholic and apostolic church ... " Pope John Paul II, by his extraordinary life, embodied those beliefs.
Who can deny that he acknowledged only one God, one faith, born of one baptism, given life by one Spirit for the sake of one hope?
Who can deny that, by his own magnificent example of holiness, he tried to show that God, the author of his faith, was holy?
Who can deny that, by traveling so often to so many countries to so many people, he was truly Catholic?
Who can deny that, as successor to the first apostle, he was truly apostolic, and like all who went before him, continued to do what Christ had commanded Peter, "Go teach all nations ... "
Yet, I truly believe he felt that he was, quite simply, just a priest, and the whole world was his parish. May he rest in his well-deserved peace.
-- Jack Bray, Dunedin
Immigrants are learning English
Re: Catering to aliens, letter, March 28.
The letter writer says: "If legal aliens wish to get ahead in this country they should learn the language."
Every day of the week immigrants and refugees throughout Pinellas County are working hard to learn to speak English. Many are taught by volunteer tutors while others attend adult education classes in the Pinellas County schools.
Using volunteer tutors, United Methodist Cooperative Ministries helps immigrants and refugees learn to speak English. With locations throughout Pinellas County, we reach out to those who have chosen to share our American dream. Last year over 335 students received English lessons. So far this year 250 non-English speakers have enrolled in our program.
The letter writer has the right idea: It is essential to learn English to flourish! Having identified this important point, perhaps he would like to consider becoming one of our volunteer tutors.
-- Jan Setzekorn, coordinator of literacy programs,United Methodist Cooperative Ministries, Clearwater
Heartening responsibility
77 Moffitt patients get excess radiation, April 2.
By publicly acknowledging full responsibility for accidentally exposing cancer patients to excess radiation, Moffitt and its CEO, Dr. William Dalton, deserve our respect.
Sadly, public acknowledgements of responsibility are almost never made. Dr. Dalton and Moffitt have acted with a courage that is a rarity in our society. Such courage is a heartening example of what it truly means to have high moral values.
-- William Douglas, St. Pete Beach