Dear Editor:

The appeal process of the parishioners of the closed/ locked churches, in the Allentown Diocese and beyond, has been a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs/joys and sorrows.I wish I could give a special award of recognition to all those committee members who did the research and wrote all the appeals.But then I thought: How could I give an award just to them, when their work was built on the foundation of prayers of so many faithful people, including silent partners across the world?But then I thought of all the family and friends who died before seeing even this new glimmer of hope. (Our bishop will not challenge the decisions of Rome.) Perhaps their last prayer was for their loved ones who felt abandoned.I decided to leave the award giving to God. To trust that He could write it on the stars, so everyone on earth and in heaven, will see it every night.Sincerely,Kay Anne MulliganBethlehem