Michelle Grise writes to Fr. Tim Brown, S.J.

Dear Father Brown-

Having been raised in the Catholic faith, I was shocked at Father Clifford's attempts to censor Ms. Boylan's prayers, offered during the petition time of the service. I can not speak to prayers she may have offered outside that time, but if the spirit has led her to speak, then she must.

As far as Father Clifford's charge that her prayers are political, and therefore, not sincere, who could have been more political than Jesus Christ himself? Jesus, who spoke out against the Pharisees, who tried to hide their real agenda behind their false piety.

God has placed this burden in Ms. Boylan's heart and she has remained steadfast in her petitions for peace. She has sacrificed the “blessing” of her priest, but has the blessing of God, who has given her strength and inner peace to do what he has commissioned her to do.

It is the lack of true spirituality, as evidenced in this case, that caused me to leave the church 30 years ago. It is not Ms. Boylan who is making a political statement, but rather, Father Clifford.

In hope of a peaceful tomorrow,

Michelle Grise