December 2013 Reader Letters

Delaware Today’s letters to the editor.ttt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On Brother Ronald Giannone

Kudos for writing a magnificent article (“In the Shadow of the Steeple” by Maria Hess) in the October 2013 issue, on Brother Ronald Giannone. Finally, someone, in their writing, has truly captured the essence of the man. Your in-depth probe into his feelings about the poor and his passion to help others was captivating and indeed right-on. 

I have had the pleasure of knowing Brother Ronald from his early days in Wilmington. The litany of projects that he has offered to our state’s neediest are legend. And, who else would say to a future president of the United States (George W. Bush) “…that it was a scandal for even one person to be homeless in our country.” 

That is what this man is all about: service to the poor and less fortunate, with a drive and passion that is exceptional and a salesmanship that allows no one to say no. Brother Ronald will be a saint someday, and I applaud you for capturing the man who so many know by name, but so few know in-depth. You provided an open window to his heart and soul, and you did it with accuracy, grace and conviction.

Thank you for sharing with your readers this story of Brother Ronald Giannone, the man who serves “in the shadow of the steeple.”

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John M. DiEleuterio,
director, intergovernmental relations, 
Delaware National Guard, Wilmington 

 

You have beautifully portrayed Brother Ronald’s vision that “the poor shall never be treated poorly.”

I have volunteered at the Ministry of Caring in many different capacities for over 18 years, and have seen first-hand that Brother Ronald’s honesty, integrity and dedication to serving the poor are reflected throughout the ministry by everyone who works there.

Brother started with one shelter: Hope House I in 1976, and now there are 19 programs in over 30 locations throughout greater Wilmington. I have volunteered in almost all of those programs, and I can say, first-hand, that dignity, respect and love are the guiding principles—and a hot meal certainly doesn’t hurt!

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The ministry serves not only the homeless; it serves the working poor as well. Whenever I see a man, woman or child coming out of a Ministry of Caring program or location, I thank God for my blessings because I know that “there but for the grace of God go I.” Sometimes I leave the sites with tears in my eyes—both sad tears and happy tears.

Unfortunately, in Delaware and in America, we need more organizations like the Ministry of Caring.

Elaine M. Vignola,
Wilmington

 

I commend you for your thoughtful article on Brother Ronald, executive director of the Ministry of Caring. With your words, you captured him perfectly—Bronx moxie, Capuchin passion for the poor and a truly selfless leader. He is a rare human being. 

From my vantage point, Brother Ronald’s daily work over the past 36 years has had a greater positive impact on the people of Wilmington than any other leader. In addition to the thousands of people he has served, there are just as many he has taught how to serve. That’s real leadership.

Also, I am grateful that in highlighting Brother Ronald, you conveyed to your readers a hallmark of his life that has become the cornerstone belief of The Ministry of Caring: that the poor shall never be treated poorly. In this day and age, this a lesson we need to hear. You helped make this point loud and clear. Thank you.

Mark L. Reardon, president, board of directors, The Ministry of Caring


On Yasser Payne

(Regarding “Can Payne End Violence?” by Mark Nardone, September 2013) (I’m) proud to have Yasser Payne as my colleague at UD!

Ben Fleury-Steiner, on Facebook

(Yasser is) my dear research mentor, and the reason why I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in sociology. Phenomenal!

Brooklynn Hitchens, on Facebook

(There were many positive comments on Facebook and delawaretoday.com regarding our stories on Yasser Payne, Ph.D., and Brother Ronald Giannone. We thank you for your kind thoughts.)


Home Sweet Home

As a frequent visitor to Delaware, I always enjoy your magazine, but the September issue was particularly interesting—especially (“Let’s Hear It for the Boys,” by Eileen Smith Dallabrida)—the article on the English-style stone cottage. The only thing that could have improved is a longer article!

Maggie Kusik, New York, N.Y.


Corrections

In the Top Doctors feature (October 2013), the listing for Ripudaman S. Hundal, M.D., should have offered the following office address: 1082 Old Churchmans Road, Ste. 100, Newark, 441-8156.

Also, the correct address for Lawrence D. Chang, M.D., is 774 Christiana Road, Newark, 623-0997; and for Christina H. Bovelsky, M.D., it is 320 N. High St. Ext., Smyrna, 514-3371.

We regret the errors.

» For more from the December issue, click here. 

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