For those of you who have read my book, “Did I ever thank you, Sister?”, you know I was raised in the early 1960’s by Catholic Nuns in an orphanage in Joliet, IL. from when I was eight years old until I left for Boys Town in Nebraska at age 14 in 1968.

While I lived with the Nuns I was treated with all the love that they could provide, unconditionally. They gave all of us whom they took care of in the orphanage all they had without complaining. Sometimes it must have been very difficult for them because we were not even their own children. But they never let us feel that way.

My life has turned out wonderful. I am well educated and successful. I have two beautiful and educated children and a very happy marriage of almost 30 years. Without the love of those Nuns and our Priests, as well as the kindness of the Catholic Church, I don’t know where I would be today. I very well could be dead, in jail, or living under a bridge, if not for the Nuns. I am very grateful.

It seems to me, with all that I am seeing in the press lately about the new scandals that are unfolding against a few Priests, the Church and the Pope are being attacked by people who wish to bring our faith down and not just seek reconciliation for the alleged sins of a few bad Priests. The Doctrine of the Church has lasted for over 2,000 years because the Doctrine is correct. “Life first”, has always been at the root of our faith. That is what I stand on when I look to the Church for guidance in these trying times. Jesus gave us that and it has always survived.This Pope has clearly been strong on supporting this Doctrine.

I am calling for prayers from all Christians for the Pope, the Catholic Church, all Christianity, and for the forgiveness of sins for all the whole world.

Sal Di Leo