Dear Editor,
It is sad, indeed, that the greatest gift God has given to the world is not appreciated by many Catholics and most of the world.  I refer to the Body and Blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, which we receive at Holy Mass. 

When I read the letter from “A Very Concerned Catholic” (August 13). I was immediately reminded of the words of Jesus: “…and there is something greater than Solomon here… .and there is something greater than Jonah here”(Like 11:29-32). 

Yes, there is the REAL presence of God here, on the altar, when ordinary bread and wine is changed by the power of the Spirit of God through the words spoken “absent-mindedly” by the “dull and boring” priest. 

If the priest preaches a beautiful sermon or a dull and boring sermon, so what!  The main and most important function of the priest is to represent Christ on the altar and by His Spirit, change the bread and wine into His Body and Blood.

Only a priest has the power to perform that miracle.  Neither Benny Hinn nor any other Pentecostal minister can do it.

When the priest says: “This is my Body…take it”, and, “this is my Blood….take it”, I open my hands and say “Thank You Lord for your love and your mercy to me, a sinner and a hypocrite”. That is what I go to Holy Mass for. That has value and meaning for me.  I pray that it will have value and meaning for concerned Catholics.

Christ knows His Church is suffering.  He knows what is best .Let us have faith in Him and in His Body and Blood. 

Please, all you concerned Catholics, do not abandon the power of the Eucharist for the power of words.  There is something greater than words here.
Rex Escalante

DEAR EDITOR: This is an appeal to all parish priests.
It has come to my knowledge through young people in the working world that a high percentage of young adults are engaged in sexual activity before marriage and some are just promiscuous without any intention of getting married.

I am strongly suggesting, therefore, that all parish priests preach on this serious topic at weekend Mass to guide the young people about this mortal sin which if unrepented, could lead them in to Hell (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 18-20).

Some adult Christians are already working with youth in schools on “abstinence before marriage.” Bless them!

Recently, an older priest was bold enough to preach on this topic, outside of the readings of the weekend liturgy and he held the congregation in rapt attention.

Priests have to guide the young people. It is their duty, or they will be held responsible.
Imelda Hunt
Cascade

DEAR EDITOR: Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Allow me to comment on Viewpoint which appeared in the Catholic News dated July 30, (Pg 16 paper edition) a poem entitled My Country’s Cry, written by Zita Allong, well written.

As I read through the poem I could not help but echo the sentiments of the writer,  “Why! Oh! Why I cry” (the opening lines). I began to reminisce about the past and Trinidad and Tobago I once knew growing up as a child, compared to the present day as an adult what a contrast?

Allow me to quote from two lines of the poem:- “Lawlessness now orders the day, Abounding in the city, towns and country lanes”.

Everyday as a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago I can’t help but be astonished by the acts of lawlessness that abounds, the breaking of a red light at the traffic signal, disposing of garbage indiscriminately, offensive and obscene language has now become part of our vocabulary, and the list goes on.

I suggest that Ms Allong’s poem be made public and be read in our nation’s schools. The entire poem is a reflection for us as a nation during this time of Emancipation to Independence.

Beginning with me, what can I do as a citizen to make this land a better place? Have I contributed in anyway to be part of this lawlessness by my actions? Do I strive daily to be honest and clean in my thoughts, words, and deeds?

Questions only you and me as individuals can answer. May God bless our nation, as we celebrate 44 years of nation hood?
Ken Smith
Woodbrook