Thank you for printing the two photographs of the Rosary March for World Peace that was organized by Immaculate Conception Church, Post Falls, on March 12. Your photographer, Gabe Green, did well in capturing the appearance and reason for the March.

A friend pointed out to me that using the word “idol” to describe the beautiful image of the Fatima statue misrepresents what the traditional Roman Catholic Church teaches regarding statues/paintings/holy cards/rosaries/medals, etc., representing the physical features of the Jesus Christ, His Blessed mother, St. Joseph, St. Francis of Assisi, all the other beatified saints and even the angels.

Speaking for myself, I attend Mass every day, and before it begins, I say the “Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” Here is a small portion of that prayer: “…Be Thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or separated by schism. Refuse not to draw them all into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thy eyes of mercy toward the children of that race once the chosen people…”

As a member of the Third Order of St. Francis, I begin my day of prayer by reading all of “The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” In Matins (for Wednesday and Saturday), I pray: “…Let them all be confounded that adore graven things; and that glory in their idols…”

If I say these prayers before a statue/painting, etc., am I praying to an “idol?” The obvious answer is “No,” because I don’t ask the statue or painting to answer my prayers. Only God, and His helpers in Heaven, can answer them, if I am worthy.

Simply put, “idols” are prayed to as actual gods, but not God our Father. Images of Jesus, Blessed Mother Mary, saints, etc. are images that help direct our thoughts, desires, needs and petitions to these holy persons in Heaven. A much more thorough explanation of this subject can be found in an answer written by Fr. Mario Romero. It can be found on the Internet at: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/youth/biblegeek/31.asp.

WILLIAM BOWMAN

Brother Francis Mary, Third Order of St. Francis

Post Falls