St John's Co-Cathedral

I am glad to have it confirmed that St John's Co-Cathedral is first a church - not that I ever had any doubt!

Somebody wrote that as soon as a person sets foot in St John's after a certain hour, he is stopped by a warden and asked to pay. And if he says that he came to pray in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, he is followed (as if to be checked).

One appreciates the daily inflow of thousands of tourists into St John's. The place has to be kept spotless as befitting the House of God. There is maintenance which has to be taken care of, and all that goes with such a magnificent place. However, we must not give the impression that St John's is a money-making business.

On a recent visit to London, we heard Sunday Mass at Westminster Cathedral. It was full to capacity. I was amazed how attentive the audience was, the beauty of the singing, and how well everything was organised. The cathedral has a souvenir shop and a cafeteria downstairs - both are very well patronised. We were told that both are run by volunteers. All takings (less expenses) go towards the cathedral's upkeep.

Although there were hundreds of tourists, especially after the Mass, and many wardens ready to answer any query, nobody asked for any fee. However, in every side chapel there was a notice, saying: "This is the House of God. You are not asked to pay in order to pray, but you realise that we need thousands of pounds to keep this place as it should be. Contributions are accepted". I can assure readers that everyone was digging in his pocket to put a donation in a big glass box just opposite the entrance.

I feel this is a polite and more fitting way to collect money.