Dear Editor,
There is a growing population of people who have been afflicted by the diseases of old age such as arthritis, with pains all over their bodies and with no families to help them. Many of these people have begun to suffer from the effects of strokes and mental deterioration.
The Catholic Church was among the first to provide help for such people and others have followed their lead. The Catholic Homes, in particular, are well supported by generous donations and endowments but yet they charge hundreds of thousands of dollars per month for those who are admitted. Only the rich and those whose relatives abroad pay for them, could afford a place in these homes.
Many of the disadvantaged sufferers are people like old senior public servants who have no families, or other professionals who suffer quietly in their poverty and die prematurely. Could the Church rediscover the message of Jesus and have affordable charges? The rich will always find their own niches, unlike the disadvantaged.
Yours faithfully,
Paul Validum Ramlochan