Madam, - May I draw your attention to the prominent use of the word monk to describe a Capuchin (The Irish Times, September 5th)? Capuchins are Franciscans, and Franciscans are not monks but friars, as are Dominicans, Carmelites and Augustinians (OSA).
Older religious orders, such as Benedictines, are monks - from the greek monachos and monos, meaning alone. The original monks lived at first alone in deserted places; then they lived together in monasteries apart from people. The friars in the 13th century chose to live with the people as their brothers (in Latin, fratres), in friaries.
Unfortunately, even teachers, historians, and others who should know better still use monk for friar and monastery for friary. It would be useful, I think, to draw their attention to this error. - Yours, etc.,
IGNATIUS FENNESSY OFM, Franciscan Library, Seafield Road, Killiney, Co Dublin.