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Question: My 72-year-old next door neighbor recently suffered a severe stroke. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation in a skilled nursing care facility. His wife told me the doctor believes the stroke was caused by high blood pressure. His wife said her husband did not go to the doctor’s office regularly. Although she encouraged him to at least go the doctor’s office for a yearly check up, he refused. They had no idea he had high blood pressure. I feel badly for my neighbors. As I continue to hope that my neighbor will recover from his stroke, I can’t help but think about how dangerous high blood pressure can be. I am a lot like my neighbor. I only go to the doctor’s office when I am sick and fortunately that is very rare. Do you have information about high blood pressure?

I must commend The Catholic Review for writing an article (May 6) on Dr. Sorra and her courageous decision to not distribute contraception to her patients. My husband and I are among many young Catholic couples who have been inspired and blessed by the teachings of John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” We were thrilled to find Sorra.

On April 24, I again witnessed the power of God within the 22, 263 days or so I have been alive on earth. I served at the confirmation service at St. Bernardine Church. I was in awe because the church was packed and we had 28 people, young and old, who were to be confirmed by Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien. The readings for the weekend were powerful and challenging, not only for those to be confirmed, but to everyone in attendance.

When the Verizon technician came to service my Internet connection, he asked about the books on the Bible around the computer. I explained: “I teach the Middle Eastern culture and values that a reader should know in order to read and interpret that Middle Eastern book intelligently and respectfully. It was written about Middle Easterners by Middle Easterners.”

This has been set aside by Pope Benedict XVI as the Year for Priests; we also give special appreciation for priests on the first Sunday of June.