Madam, - In his homily at Croagh Patrick, Archbishop Micheal Neary stated his regret at "the winding-down of many religous orders and houses" (The Irish Times, July 26th). But he should recall that in the 18th century, when the Catholic Church owned only a minor fraction of the houses it owns today, it thrived in Ireland.
It seems that materialism has grown in the Church, as in society. Property may produce a wonderful price, but what is its true value when a Church puts too much faith in it? - Yours, etc.,
SEAN O'BRIEN, Carnanes South, Kilrush, Co Clare.