November 30, 2007

Letters to the Editor

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Valerie Dillon’s life was an example of the Christian joy of living

Last month, our archdiocese gained a great and mighty voice in heaven when Valerie Dillon died.

Val was a gifted writer who devoted much of her time and talent to Catholic publications. She was once acting editor of The Criterion.

If my memory serves, she wrote and produced the first curriculum on sex education for the diocesan schools of Indiana. She also served as assistant director of the Indiana Catholic Conference and designed its logo.

She wrote prolifically and had articles in various lay publications, usually about strengthening marriage and family life. All of this while a devoted wife and mother!

Heaven has gained a new saint while we are left with a great example of a life with a Christian joy of living.

- Bill Wood, Indianapolis

Reader: Sister Marcie Malone is a pioneer in interfaith relationships

At this Thanksgiving time, let me add my gratitude to Carmelite Sister Marcie Malone of the Monastery of the Resurrection in Indianapolis.

Twenty-five years ago, she began an interfaith prayer service, a rather “pioneering” project at that time.

In the intervening years, attendance has grown with the prayer space at the monastery filled to overflowing and parking space at a premium.

The prayer service is an integral part of the Spirit and Place Festival. Prayers and songs are offered by many denominational representatives, including Sikh, Jewish, Buddhist, Jains, Muslim, Christian and American Indian.

Most appropriately, Sister Marcie was given a plaque recognizing her great ­contribution to interfaith dialogue for the past 25 years. The standing ovation greeting her was much deserved.

Thank you to the Carmelite sisters for their hospitality, inclusiveness and spirituality.

- Lynette Herold, Indianapolis

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