Frans Said (The Sunday Times, May 23), again describes me as fanatical. Could he explain why?

Is it just because I am clinging to tradition?

In my letter of May 16, I wrote: "Mr Said's level of psychology is impressive; which is why I want to introduce him to the following 'scrupulous' people: St Pius V, St Pius X, St Augustine, Blessed Anne Emmerich and Pope John Paul II, all of whom opposed Communion by hand."

These people did not live in 115 AD. John Paul II and Mother Teresa died in 2005 and 1997 respectively. I also said that Pope Benedict XVI has restored Communion rails and only administers Communion on the tongue, so why does Mr Said not call them fanatics too?

I never asked for an end to Communion being received by hand. I only asked when the obligation of Communion by hand will be lifted, but Mr Said included me among "fanatics and extremists (who) get bogged down in fine details and ignore the fact that Christianity, first and foremost, involves love of neighbour".

Is the Eucharist, or moreover the way we receive it, a fine detail? We must love our neighbours and show them respect but first we must love God and show Him respect in the Blessed Sacrament; thus, what better way to receive it as the saints and the popes ask us to?

We will never solve this through letters so I invite Mr Said to discuss this matter with me and my friends face-to-face, bringing along with him others of the same opinion. He may contact me through The Sunday Times.