Madam, - I am sorry to learn of the plans by the Franciscan order to close several friaries throughout Ireland for very understandable reasons.
Even though many members of the order are getting older, the friars do great human contact work in their communities, through visiting the elderly, consoling the bereaved, and comforting those who are sick.
Who will take over this important work after the friars leave? - Yours, etc.,
JOHN McCORMACK, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin.