The Benedictine nuns here at San Benito, where I am writing, make marvelous soaps, salves, lotions, and a mosquito repellent with only healthy herbs – and candles and photo cards of wildflowers in the Big Horn Mountains. Selling their products helps the Sisters support themselves.
You’ll find all their stuff online. Group orders welcome.
I received this email from Misty in Tacoma, Washington:
Dear Sister Prejean,
My name’s Misty and i have been friends with Joseph Ray Ries, a Texas death row inmate at the Polunsky Unit. I was wondering if you could pray for him. I am worried that his death will be painful and I hope it won’t and I also hope you will pray to help heal me from his loss. Thanks alot.
I want you to know I am praying for you, Misty, for Joseph Ray Ries, for his family, and for the Ratliffs (the victim’s family).
Dear Rodney,
It tickles me, the saint thing. As if!! I figure that people need heroes, that’s why some call me a saint. Look, I’m just Helen, OK, and I try to live my life with as much integrity as I can muster, which means doing what love demands. Just like you did with the 30+ hurricane refugees. You saw a need and responded, right? I think anyone can do what I"ve done, and if given an opportunity, would…
Enlightened self interest? You better believe it. Because when we love, truly love, we become very alive; we grow, and if that’s not "self interest," I don’t know what is. Love, S. Helen
Dear Allen,
You’re right, aborting a baby is a terrible "choice"…the alternatives
which you spell out…abstinence, etc. is, of course a preferred
alternative. I want to help women explore those alternatives before
they act. How many are in desperate circumstances? Haven’t thought at
all, just do it? How many feel desperate because they’re all alone, no
one to help them. These are considerations of compassion. Not
condoning – just compassion,which seeks practical, concrete
alternatives. I like your honesty. Don’t worry about that "P C"
thing. Cordially, S. Helen
Dear Bill,
Have you read, "Don’t Think of An Elephant" by G. Lakoff (sp?) It’s all
about how we frame an issue. To frame a consistent life ethic, whether
with A I or anyone will need to be wider, I think, than simply a
woman’s "choice." Of course, a woman chooses…. but in what context?
What other life issues are involved? How do we give the unseen
life-on-the-way a voice? Cordially, S. Helen
Dear Steve,
Lillie just came home, told me that I missed you by a hair tonight cuz
I’m at her house for supper but you went off early to a bar!!.
Get off that I-don;t-like-Repub-thing. I love Republicans as long as
they care about poor people and the voiceless ones, and the common good
- and that sounds like maybe who you are. Glad you’re journeying
through my books. Sometimes I step back and say, " This is
incredible…I can’t believe this is happening… Next time, S, when
Lillie invites you, COME! I’d love to meet you in person.
Love, Helen
Dear Rev. Curt,
Pronounce my name Helllllyion… just kidding…. Prejean =
pray-shaun. Now practice in front of your bathroom mirror! It’s the
French. It throws everybody. Love. S. H.
Dear Mary,
What a delight to see you in among the responders to the blog. 28 years ago??? Sweet Jesus! I tell you, this time thing’s a bloomin’ mystery. Me, I’m just living and pressing ahead. How are you? Write to me by email Hprejean @ dpdiscourse.org Love, H
