Derek Honey’s letter concerning the bones of St Therese has led me to believe that Mr Honey is either someone who just loves to provoke an argument, or is one of the few remaining bigots who would happily light the faggots at the feet of a Catholic.

Despite being a cradle Catholic myself, I freely admit that I would not, and never have, felt the need or desire to gaze on the remains of a dead saint.

However, for those whose faith encompasses a belief that their viewing these remains has a value for them, I would not argue against them. And I am heartily fed up with having had the phrase “mumbo-jumbo” thrown at Catholics on every possible occasion, when what you actually mean, Mr Honey, is that you do not agree with the beliefs of others.

There is no need for this constant insult to other members of your community. Just consider if you had used these words aimed at another faith.

You might well find yourself in front of a tribunal, facing a charge of insulting a religion.

However, Catholics have had two millennia to get used to the verbal and physical attacks on them, just like Judaism, Islam and others.

So just this once we’ll let you off – and won’t invoke a plague upon your house.

As the late Dave Allen said, “May YOUR God go with you” Mr Honey, and just let us go with ours.

David Kyffin, Old Marston, Oxford