Reader input: Father Carroll was an 'angel on Earth'

Father Michael Carroll, a man, a friend, a mentor, a modern-day saint; he changed the world for good. In a time full of doubt and wicked unfortunate events, he was a beacon of hope. From the formation of a homeless shelter that will inspire a way of handling poverty to being every person he came across a friend to love and learn from, he was a good person. This is a tragic passing, not for him but for the rest of us. He will be greatly missed. That sound of his Irish brogue around the corner guiding a lost soul as leaving mass and a happy chuckle to say hello is something of what is good in this world. I pray his essence never leaves this troubled world. I pray his family in Ireland grieves and heals from their loss of a faithful loving man. May we all find a piece of wisdom and courage to face this world with goodness guiding our every choice we make. Love and good are the lessons he taught and championed for. Let his memory forever last in good actions. Praise the lord for sending to this earth an angel like Father Micheal. I personally would not know what I would have done at the time my sister passed without him. He sheltered me under his wings of strength and goodness. Now I see the world for its potential. I do not doubt that God is good. Trials and tribulations only strengthen my love for God now. Thank you, Father, for your great priesthood. You are living proof of angels on Earth. Sabrina Hocking Cangemi Auburn A new era for global warming As Los Angeles burned for days on end, scientists made an announcement that 2024 was the hottest year on record. With temperatures rising around the globe, scientists are warning that the world has entered a dangerous new era of chaotic floods, storms and fires made worse by human-caused climate change. The firestorms ravaging our country's second-largest city are just the latest of extreme weather that is growing more furious and more unpredictable. Wildfires are highly unusual in Southern California in January, which is supposed to be the rainy season. The same is true for cyclones in Appalachia, where Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through mountain communities in October. Wildfires are burning hotter and moving faster. Storms are getting bigger and carrying more moisture. And soaring temperatures worldwide are leading to heatwaves and drought, which can be devastating on their own. Around the globe, extreme weather and searing heat killed thousands of people last year and displaced millions. In Europe, extreme heat contributed to at least 47,000 deaths in 2023. In the United States, heat-related deaths have doubled in recent decades. "We're in a new era now," said former Vice President Al Gore, who has warned of the threats of global warming for decades. "These climate-related extreme events are increasing, both in frequency and intensity, quite rapidly." The question remains: When are we going to stop killing our planet from burning fossil fuels to power our homes, cars and industries? Ron Sadler Roseville