Dear Msgr. Nolan, I am curious about the article on “The Mystery of Lalibela” in the Spring issue. I cannot locate the place on my Mao of Ethiopia. Can you tell me where this Ethiopian village is?
A. de Vitry, Marietta, PA
Dear Msgr. Nolan, In the Spring edition of your magazine, you refer to the Armenians as “the First Nation to adopt Christianity.” I know this claim often arises, but is it true? Did not the majority of the Palestinian become Christian by 200 A.D and the Armenians not until 300 A.D.?
J.A. Wills, Pasadena, CA
While it is difficult to establish accurate numbers of conversions in various countries during the early years of the faith, Christianity first became a state religion in Armenia around 300 A.D.
Dear Msgr. Nolan, I have just received the Spring issue of Catholic Near East. It is an excellent publication.
Your very good article on “The Conversion of Charles de Foucauld” was splendid. He has always been my secret hero. I read his biography years ago, but I don’t think he is a saint. I was confused by his icon. Can you advised me as to his status in the Church and where I can acquire an icon or picture of him? I trust CNEWA will write more about him.
R.M. Perreault, Andover, MA
Many people who know the story of Charles de Foucauld’s life and death consider him a martyr. While desert tribesmen were ransacking his cell and chapel in the Eastern Algerian desert, the nervous 13-year-old boy who held a gun to Charles’ head panicked when he heard horses approaching. The shot to the brain instantly killed the priest. The posthumous publication of his writings led to the founding of communities of humble followers, the Little Brothers of Jesus in 1933 and the Little Sisters of Jesus in 1936. Beatification efforts for Brother Charles were begun in 1927, and Rome has been considering the case since 1947. The contemporary icon of Charles de Foucauld which appeared in the Spring issue of Catholic Near East is one of the excellent contemporary works of sacred art available from Bridge Building Icons, 211 Park Street, Burlington, VT 05401. An inspirational biography of Charle’s life is Two Dancers in the Desert by Charles Lepetit, which is available from Orbis Books, Maryknoll, NY 10545.