Local Danvers Beauty Needs Our Help! Part 2 By Jim Morrocco

Local Danvers Beauty Needs Our Help! Part 2

Dear Readers:

Many of us know of the sadness of this local Danvers beauty’s grave situation. And for those of you, who still don’t know, please let these articles educate you. The end of her life may be imminent, if her guardian’s self-absorbed plan prevails, but even more sadly, is the fact that so many of us have not offered enough of an outstretched hand to help. We may empathize, we may feel sorry for her, and we may chat amongst ourselves about the shame of it all, but where is our courage to stand firm and speak out against such a sinful act against so many people?

I’ll tell you where I think it is. I think it is right here in every one of us who feels the pain this is causing our town. Yes, that’s right. I believe it’s in all of us who know in our hearts that this is wrong, but are hesitant or unwilling, for some ungodly reason, to speak up and say so.

There is a silent majority among us… a majority that truly believes, although silently, that this is an unnecessary act that we will regret. What is it, then, that has us in its grip that we are afraid to voice our true feelings and defend our right to be heard, and the right of our town to retain the value of this exceptional town asset? Why are so many unwilling to speak up against a domineering guardian bent on a senseless betrayal to the town we call home, the town that has given its residents, parishioners and families so much year after year, the town we teach our children to do what’s right in?

Think everyone. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come to the aid of our town, to offer something significant in return, by being the best neighbors and residents we can be by helping our hometown and the lovely St. Mary’s parish within it.

I admit that I, too, have been part of the silent majority for too long, but my thoughts can no longer remain unspoken on this major dispute. I have a conscience and it directs me down a new path now, and it takes guts to speak up. But in my heart I know the loss of this Danvers beauty is wrong on so many fronts. And if the truth be known, so do you.

It’s wrong for St. Mary’s Parish and the Archdiocese of Boston who own this beautiful antique symbol of our past. It’s wrong for the entire Catholic Church who is losing more and more faithful followers of the Catholic religion, because of prior scandalous and negligent acts that the Archdiocese is guilty of. It’s wrong for our lovely town, our county, our state and the great country we love as Americans who rely on wonderful symbols and monuments to our past that all help to build the super-nation and super-power that we are. Yes, I see so much wrong with this unjust treatment by the owners of this cherished part of our proud past. And I know in your hearts and with your intelligence, you do, too.

It’s time for me to stand up... and speak up... to help make others aware of what we are about to lose and ask for your help to prevent it. Please come out from that silent majority, as well.

Life is full of surprises. Please let your own conscience and heart surprise you in a wonderful and useful way.

Stand with me, as I stand with those good and courageous folks who are trying so hard to save her… who have put together a perfectly workable compromise, because they know that everyone can benefit from this difficult and unnecessary situation. Since her guardian has chosen not to do it, we should be looking out for the welfare of all parishioners and townspeople, silent or not, because far more good would be done turning this unjust and negative problem into a positive win for everyone, rather than just a chosen few. How can this guardian or anyone disagree with such a good Christian goal, as that?

Isn’t it odd that Christian leaders in our own Archdiocese are acting in such an unchristian way... or is it? To answer such a sad and unwelcome question, do we have to be reminded of the sad, tragic and unchristian scandalous past that trusted Catholic leaders were and still are guilty of? And that negligent, cover up, and unaccountable actions of our own Archdiocese still force all good Catholics to live under an unwelcome dark shroud?

An excellent compromise was given to this guardian as a wonderful solution. Astonishingly, her guardian is refusing the compromise, and refusing a great solution that will help reach goals for the parish and the town. Even though this guardian refused to even meet and discuss it, why aren’t we all supporting it in the name of parish and town unity?

She may be on the upper side of years, but if you look closely you can see that those years have made her all the more special. She is so eager to be useful to the community… to her parish and neighbors… to all of us once again… for generations to come… just as she has for generations before us.

Should we support this reckless decision to destroy her when this great compromise can help everyone? Every voice should cry out: No! No! No!

She may be old, but if we help out now, her heart will beat strong once again. And the value she is still capable of giving will shine once more for the parish and the town. She has never asked before, but she is asking now. Her pleas are simple, and her heart cries out for help. Listen, listen, she’s calling to you.

The person who brought her into this world was a child of God…, a bright and wise child of God who grew up with a talent and skill that gave her to the world, a gift for our town... and for us to care for always. We must remember that we are all children of God and we were taught to care for those who can no longer care for themselves and are worth saving. This is our moment to do what’s right. Please, let’s not waste it. Please stop being passive. Help her before it’s too late. We need to be her voice now.

Just think what a testimonial it would be for our town, if everyone takes a stand and speaks up against the tragic loss of this grand dame. If we are to help protect her and help keep the quality of this town a positive one, your support and voice must be heard. Please join the intelligent and compassionate many who don’t want to lose this national treasure. She adds value to the quality of your life, your family, your neighborhood, your home and your parish. This is a life so worth saving for every future generation in our town. She’s an American beauty with a wonderful Danvers history. And even if you are not a fan of history or preservation, it remains a fact that every antique building deemed historically and architecturally significant, and is saved on its original foundation, adds to the quality of your life by adding to the quality of the town. So, even if you don’t care that much, you are benefiting by the hard work of many who do care. And for that reason, the hope is that you might help. Please consider it now.

Yes, rest assured, in the minds of many, through valid, town documentation, this beauty helps to build the quality of life in this town you and I call home. It’s unthinkable that this guardian does not agree or care enough about the rock solid reports in print, and the voices of so many intelligent people. Is it truly Christian for any guardian of this wonderful treasure to have such little concern for the parishioners, neighbors and townspeople who want so much to save her for the good of all? As Christians, we are taught to respect and care about all concerns, opinions and voices, to listen carefully and to use our good judgment to do what is right for the benefit of all. We welcome that kind of positive action and encourage it. Why doesn’t this guardian do the same? Yet, another ponder-worthy question.

It’s up to us now. Please come out from that “silent majority”! God has given us a brain to think with. Please use it to do what’s right, because it’s right… no other reason.

When all is weighed in the balance, to ignore a wonderful compromise that was carefully crafted to help us all, it seems clear that this “Christian, Catholic” guardian is bent on destruction that will create far more loss than gain for you, for me, for St. Mary’s parishioners, and everyone in our beloved town of Danvers, with far reaching effects that travel through our county, state and country.

You might want to think about that.

This article to be continued... Jim Morrocco