Sir, - Brian Rush's letter (July 10th) may be well-intentioned but misses its mark because it loses focus on the essence of the Eucharistic Sacrament. Roman Catholics believe that Our Lord Jesus Christ is "really, truly and substantially" present under the outward appearances of bread and wine. The bread and wine are not merely symbolic but are completely changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.
For someone to partake of the Eucharist, while denying its essence, is to belittle our faith. This is readily apparent. Consider the situation which would occur if Mr Rush were married and invited a guest to his home. However, the guest refused to acknowledge that the lady was his wife. No one would expect Mr Rush to extend his hospitality to such a guest who belittled his marriage. - Yours, etc.,
Rudolph Lohse, Cathair Danann, Tralee, Co Kerry.