6 JANUARY 1961, Page 23

SIR,—Secular Institutes are neither secret nor do they have any

political connotation. In fact, with the emphasis they give to the dignity and freedom—both human and spiritual—of every human being in his individual work, thought and initiative, they are one of the greatest achievements of the Catholic Church in this century. Opus Dei was the first of these Institutes to be approved by the Holy Sec and has among its members people of different race, country, social status and political opinions.—Your faithfully, JOHN A. HENRY W ychwood. Elm Walk, Farnborough, Orpington, Kent