Silence is golden, but sometimes it is just plain yellow. Regarding Chuck Frederick's opinion column of May 17, "Parents cry foul over ouster of beloved St. James principal," I never thought I would be able to say this, but unbelievably, as a firsthand witness, I find I can. It is difficult to even put down on paper.
In reflecting upon all of the cruel attacks which the Rev. James Bissonette has endured over the past several days and weeks since the column was published, I'm deeply struck by the parallels to Jesus and his last few days on Earth. Bissonette is being subjected to his own personal version of what we Catholics revere as "the stations of the cross," the retelling of Jesus' consummate journey, as recorded in the Christian Bible, in addition to events passed on via sacred tradition. Each separate iniquity was a slow march to apparent destruction at the hands of an angry mob.
There are many of us who want to speak out about the St. James situation but don't see the purpose in dragging this on any further.
I now understand how those seemingly good men and women of 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem could be swept up in a hysteria that ended in an innocent man's sacrifice.
This humble priest's response to reckless hatred brought the crucifixion to life for me in a way that has touched me to my soul. Mel Gibson has nothing on what we've experienced at St. James. I can identify with the passion like never before. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. But wait. Resurrection is the inevitable sequel to this movie. So as not to spoil the ending, let me just say it all turns out for the best.
ADVERTISEMENT
Kevin Galazen
Hermantown
