RE: Mount Saint Joseph's Convent. Having read your articles recently on the closure of Mount St Joseph's Convent, the sale of the building to the Muslim community, and the ongoing meetings between residents, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of many people through your newspaper to say "thank you" to all the people who have recently left this beautiful building and place of worship.

The Sisters of the Cross and Passion have resided at Mount Saint Joseph's Convent for more than 100 years, and have dedicated their lives to the education and well being of many Catholics in Bolton, both in the convent and in the school. I know, being a former pupil, that they have been a massive influence on many people's lives, morals, values, their ambitions, and they all have served their community very well. We thank them all!

It is with great sadness for Catholics that we lose a place steeped in history and tradition, and I hope that all the residents and the new community in that area can move forward positively.

Next year we may see another Catholic landmark in this town disappear with the threatened closure of SS Peter and Paul's RC Church. This church and school again having many links with the Sisters of the Cross and Passion.

It feels strange to me that here in Bolton, with all our many faiths, cultures, and religions working together, that the Catholic population is somehow losing some parts of its identity in such a big town.

I hope and pray all generations of Catholics, practising and non-practising, unite, and remember our spiritual values, and can find some time in our busy lives to spend time in Church and with God.

Thank you once again to the many countless Sisters who have served us all well.

We wish them continued success in their new pastures and religious lives!

Kevin P Morris

Weston Street

Great Lever