DEAR EDITOR: It is indeed apt that all that has transpired on the political scene recently vis-à-vis the Opposition leader's imprisonment and the re-imposition of the death penalty have come about within a year dedicated by the Church to the Eucharist.

We have just gone through an extensive symposium on the Eucharist thereby bringing about a much clearer insight (at least for the laity) into the meaning and significance of what we celebrate as Church.

One of the presentations made at the symposium was “Eucharist as Mission ”, one of the areas we as Catholic Christians tend to overlook or at worst disregard. But as mentioned and discussed at the sessions the concluding prayer offered by the priest at the end of Mass is in fact not a conclusion but a commissioning.

The witness made by our Chief Shepherd, Archbishop Edward Gilbert, as part of the IRO body that visited Mr Basdeo Panday in gaol, was a fitting example of what being a Eucharistic people is about, and I believe the message is made much clearer in actions than in mere words or statements.

The Church's pronouncement about its position concerning capital punishment must be clear and precise as outlined by the Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ). If we have to stand alone on the issue of abortion, so be it also for our position against the death penalty, for violence begets violence.

I am indeed proud to be a member of an institution whose morals and values are dictated not by the whims and fancies of the so-called “intellectuals” of this modern world but by the ones who have shown the way, who not only “talk the talk” but “walk the walk” – our head Jesus Christ, for He is the way, truth and life.

Let me just end by quoting from a statement I read sometime ago: “A new society must be ushered in by new people. For our society to come to life we need people who will die for their enemies rather than kill them, forgive them rather than retaliate and serve them rather than resist. We need people who act like Jesus. Will you be His follower?”

Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and renew the face of the earth .

Russel Gonzales, Maracas, St Joseph

DEAR EDITOR: After attending the Roman Catholic Archdiocesan Eucharistic Symposium 2005 which was recently held at UWI, and having listened to the various presentations, questions and answers, I have come to the conclusion that whenever we receive Holy Communion, the Blessed Sacrament or the Eucharist, as some call it, we are not only receiving a meal, but the Bread of “LIFE” which Jesus called it (John 6:48) or the “Living Bread that has come down from heaven” (John 6:51) therefore we will inherit eternal life as Jesus promised (John 6:48-58).

Wherever we accept the Eucharist, are we also accepting and endorsing the “NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT” (agreement) which Jesus has made with His disciples, and as such, a promise of eternal life to all who accept and receive it (Luke 22:14-20).

That this “New Covenant” is a replacement or renewal of the “Old Covenant” made to Adam “To eat of all the fruits except one and you will live”, which Adam broke by eating the forbidden fruit thus bringing death to himself and to all mankind (Genesis 3:1-24).

Jesus therefore by His actions at the Last Supper is giving us a second chance at inheriting eternal life. Can anyone of us fail to accept this offer?

R Brown, Petit Valley