Bennett's Honor

I read your book review of William J. Bennett's Our Sacred Honor ("Help for Politicians in Need of Moral Mettle,” March 1—7). The review brought to mind a discussion Bennett once had with a group of pro—life leaders wherein he roundly castigated those of us who believe that there can be no exceptions to abortion. He told us that our position was politically unrealistic.

He was even less encouraging on the topic of the contraceptive mentality, and more specifically, our expectation that men and women in elected office who call themselves pro—life would be totally opposed to any chemical or device that even had the minute possibility of killing an innocent human being from fertilization.

Why do I bring it up in the context of his newest book? Well, among the most noteworthy of the cardinal virtues is fortitude or courage; I did not see either word in the review you printed. Was there a reason?

Catholic men of high visibility like Mr. Bennett are constantly in our prayers. We ask the Lord to fill them with the spirit of truth so that they are able to articulate without apology the total and absolute defense of all innocent human beings, without exception, and regardless of the price required for such fidelity to the word of God.

It is my prayer that the cardinal virtue of fortitude or courage was merely overlooked by John Prizer, the reviewer.

Judie Brown

American Life League

Stafford, Virginia

Clinton & Communion

The purpose of this letter is to clarify why President Clinton and his wife should not have received Holy Communion ("South African Bishops Say Priest Erred Giving Clinton Communion,” April 12—18) during their recent visit to Africa.

Not only was this regrettable act an affront and an insult to practicing Catholics, but it was also a direct offense against God himself by the unworthy reception of the body and blood of Christ.

We Catholics believe this sacrament is literally and truly the body and blood of Christ.

For worthy reception of this sacrament, a person must believe that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Jesus Christ. His soul must also be free of serious mortal sin. If a Catholic has committed a serious sin, he must first go to confession to receive forgiveness.

An additional requirement is that he must fast from food and beverages except water for at least one hour before receiving Communion.

But why is what the Clintons did so serious? This question is best answered by St. Paul in the Bible: “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup … in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.”

President and Mrs. Clinton would be well—advised to repent for the transgression against both God and their Catholic countrymen. In the meantime, we should all pray that God will forgive them and that they will never again offend others in a sacrilegious manner.

Eugene Brady

Baton Rouge, Louisiana