Final weekend, it was my honor to be chosen to be a part of a delegation of 5 colleagues who represented the U.S. Senate at Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican Metropolis.
The gang was overwhelming. Estimated within the a whole bunch of 1000’s, they represented each nook of the Earth. Simply in our part was a delegation in enterprise fits from Lesotho, Buddhists in vibrant orange robes, members of the Italian Parliament, a turbaned Sikh delegation from India and our bipartisan Home delegation led by Nancy Pelosi and Republican Chief Steve Scalise.
1000’s of Catholic clergy on the altar and within the viewers wore vestments presenting each shade of scarlet and crimson. However the huge crowds of mourners and celebrants had been merely admirers of Francis who, in his humble means, touched so many lives. On the entrance of the altar was his easy wood casket.
The funeral ceremony was in Latin, the language of the Catholic Church after I was a younger altar boy at St. Elizabeth’s Church in East St. Louis, Illinois, within the Nineteen Fifties. As I witnessed this solemn mass and skim from the textual content, I might hear in my thoughts the rusty hinges of a gap door taking me again to the Latin mass and Gregorian chant of my childhood. It’s all nonetheless there, “Deo gratias.”
How did this Mass differ from the Funeral of John Paul II many years in the past? I used to be there in 2005, and I keep in mind the crowds of Polish mourners with their crimson and white flags for John Paul II. However with Francis, what struck me had been the numerous waves of spontaneous cheering from the huge crowd when reference was made to his easy message for immigrants, peace and understanding.
Francis’ 5 phrases: “Who am I to judge?” outlined his humility and humanity for thus many people. After the ceremony, I went again to my resort room and turned on my TV. There was a recurring phase each jiffy. It confirmed a easy {photograph} of Francis and the Italian phrases: “Grazie Francesco, il Papa della gente.” Translated to English: “Thanks, Francis. The individuals’s pope.”
We should proceed to carry quick to the message of Pope Francis to like and respect each other. In a world of hate and worry, his message of peace and understanding is required now greater than ever.
U.S. Sen Dick Durbin, D-Il.
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Pope was an instance for all — even skeptics
There was a lot debate about whether or not Pope Francis has now discovered his reward or his punishment. However isn’t it more likely (though a complete let much less satisfying) that he has discovered neither, that we have now tricked ourselves for 1000’s of years into believing there’s a life after this one?
And but, Francis’ instance of kindness and love, particularly to the marginalized and the unlucky — imperfect because it was — is a shining mannequin of what issues most in doing as a lot good as we will on this life. Not retribution, not revenge, not domination, however love and kindness. Not vanity, however humility. Francis saying, “Who am I to guage?” will reside on as a counterweight to those that suppose they know all the things about all the things and work furiously to bend everybody else to their will.
Kevin Coughlin, Evanston
Feds must rethink technique
Concerning Wealthy Miller’s commentary (“Feds’ weak swing in Jones bribery trial a part of a troubling pattern”), prior to now, once you had been indicted by the U.S. legal professional’s workplace, prosecutors sometimes had “the products on you.”
Now the workplace is seemingly over-reaching on the submitting of fees. Too usually it looks like the federal prosecutor’s workplace is being hyper-aggressive. Sure, metropolis of Chicago officers have traditionally supplied fertile floor for legal investigation. Nonetheless, maybe the prosecutors ought to turn into much less involved in amassing “scalps” and extra involved in evaluating proof.
Terry Takash, Western Springs
Numerous youngsters, households will lose with out Head Begin
My path into early childhood training started over 20 years in the past, and I’ve seen firsthand the transformative energy of Head Begin, which sadly, might lose federal funding. Extra than simply training, Head Begin breaks down limitations and builds resilience via holistic, complete assist and offers youngsters from low-income households entry to early studying experiences, which is important for achievement.
Head Begin sees every baby as distinctive, rejecting one-size-fits-all training. This personalised assist and early intervention construct resilience and a powerful basis.
What really units Head Begin aside is its deep dedication to households, because it empowers dad and mom as leaders and advocates, fostering confidence and self-sufficiency.
Finally, Head Begin is a catalyst for lasting change, breaking cycles of poverty via robust partnerships and entry to important sources like healthcare, housing, employment and training.
With out Head Begin, the results could be profound — echoing throughout generations. Past training, it strengthens native economies by creating jobs and important partnerships.
In a latest speech to early studying workers, I shared a perception near my coronary heart: Every of us has impacted lives in methods we might by no means totally understand. Each baby brings distinctive experiences, and sometimes it’s the smallest moments — a smile, a heat welcome, a protected area — that make the most important distinction.
These moments of connection assist youngsters really feel seen, heard and supported, laying the muse for confidence and lifelong success. We’ve seen households achieve stability, youngsters attain milestones, and communities flourish. These connections prolong far past the classroom, shaping futures in methods that can’t be measured however should be preserved.
Amy Blythe, assistant vp, Early Studying Companies, Edgewater
Extra must say ‘sure’ to foster youngsters
Could is Nationwide Foster Care Month — a time to acknowledge the vital function foster households play within the lives of weak youngsters.
As vp and CEO of Lutheran Youngster and Household Companies of Illinois, one of many largest baby welfare companies in our state, I really feel a deep accountability to share a heartbreaking fact: Our nation and state are going through an alarming scarcity of foster households, particularly these ready to absorb youngsters throughout emergency conditions.
Many of those youngsters have been bounced from place to put, damage and let down, typically even by these meant to assist them heal. Their trauma runs deep and might overwhelm even probably the most devoted techniques of care.
When placements crumble and each choice is exhausted, they’re left with no protected place to land. On too many nights, they sit in places of work or sleep in convention rooms, not as a result of anybody stopped caring, however as a result of no caregiver was obtainable to say “sure.” No baby ought to ever finish their day in a ready room chair or on a makeshift cot.
We want households and people from all walks of life who’re prepared to say “sure” to a toddler in disaster. Emergency placements may be quick time period, however the impression is lifelong. You don’t should be good, simply current, prepared and supported — and assist is one thing our company and lots of others are dedicated to offering each step of the best way.
I urge Solar-Occasions readers to be taught extra about fostering and the way they could assist — whether or not by turning into a foster mum or dad, supporting foster households or just spreading consciousness. Collectively, we will guarantee no baby spends one other night time with no protected place to relaxation.
LaTasha Roberson-Guifarro, vp and chief working officer, ,Lutheran Youngster and Household Companies of Illinois, Oakbrook Terrace
Cease proposing easy curfew ways
Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) should cease. He must be taught the distinction between repeating slogans: curfews, curfews, curfews and articulating insurance policies that may be developed and carried out.
As knowledgeable historian who has studied cities, training, younger individuals, crime and security, I urge Hopkins to be taught some historical past. There are various classes.
First, there isn’t a one resolution to a sophisticated drawback resembling younger individuals congregating in giant numbers in city areas in evenings. The issue in all cities, together with Chicago, isn’t restricted to at least one space. Over-focus on Streeterville and River North worsens the issue, in different districts.
Second, curfews should be enforced. A variable, catch-as-catch-can, typically 8 p.m., typically 10 p.m., curfew, referred to as on spur of the second discretionary selections after darkish by Chicago law enforcement officials who don’t want such accountability is assured to worsen issues.
It can antagonize and confuse its targets. It can overstrain an already short-handed police power — from decision-making to enforcement. How, for instance, will selections be made? Who, specifically, will make them? Will sources instantly be moved from different, extra harmful and crime-ridden areas? How will officers at midnight distinguish these below and over the age of 18?
Shifting, altering curfews elevate fast questions on civil liberties and constitutional rights. The American Civil Liberties Union and others are watching intently. In the mean time of Trump vs. the U.S. Structure, do Hopkins and his colleagues actually need to tackle that problem?
Third, the issue requires a multi-pronged set of coverage, instructional, sociocultural, each formal and casual, coordinated efforts. The mayor reveals some consciousness of this. Hopkins reveals none.
Fourth, when will all the Metropolis Council, together with Hopkins, discover a number of methods to extend town price range to workers the sorts and dimension of each public security and regulation enforcement that Chicago desperately wants. That requires innovation, resembling progressive taxation, an previous American custom.
We want security and policing for all Chicago. Probably the most profitable type begins with common patrolling by well-trained public security officers. We have now none of that in Chicago as we speak, together with my very own Lincoln Park.
Harvey J. Graff, professor emeritus of English and Historical past, Ohio State College, Lincoln Park
Gratitude for nurses
No matter their specialty or the place they apply, nurses play vital roles in treating accidents and sickness, in addition to protecting individuals wholesome and protected. They’re usually on the entrance line of well being care, delivering professional care whereas comforting and advocating for his or her sufferers and households.
All through my years in emergency nursing, I’ve had the privilege of assembly and dealing with nurses throughout many elements of our career. My profession has taken me via the intensive care unit, the emergency division, flight nursing, hospital management, analysis, advocacy and as a pacesetter at many ranges of the Emergency Nurses Affiliation.
All through this time, I’ve discovered from and been impressed by nurses from all walks of life, who every traveled a novel path into nursing and have riveting tales to inform about their journeys. I additionally love presenting at scholar nursing occasions and sharing within the pleasure of younger people who find themselves on the point of dive into this rewarding, difficult, humbling and wonderful career.
Throughout Nationwide Nurses Week — Could 6 via 12 — I need to specific appreciation on behalf of myself and the Emergency Nurses Affiliation for all nurses and the work they do.
Nurses use their experience to reply to probably the most traumatic accidents and take care of sufferers in all fields — from oncology to obstetrics to orthopedics. They educate the general public about sickness and damage prevention, conduct analysis that results in higher affected person outcomes and educate as we speak’s college students who’re working to be tomorrow’s nurses.
I encourage everybody, once they have a chance, to thank their nurses for all they do to make communities more healthy and safer.
Ryan Ogelsby, president, Emergency Nurses Affiliation, Schaumburg
Imply mug
Donald Trump’s determination to publish his glowering mug shot outside of the Oval Office ought to let you know sufficient in regards to the man occupying that workplace. In the event you don’t really feel unhappy for voting for him, I really want you’ll rethink.
John Hankes, Streeterville
