As a religious sister for 64 years I was particularly interested in Francine Stock’s review of the film Philomena (2 November). I wholeheartedly agree with the film-­makers that the story was “materially true”, and while some scenes might have been ­fictional by exaggerating the facts in places, the gist of it was very credible. Make no ­mistake about it – we sisters are by no means saints! However, I can vouch for the fact that times and habits have changed drastically since the time in which the early part of the film was set. The old sisters in authority when I made my novitiate would surely turn in their graves today at the changes – modified attire, freedom to go out and mix among the people, “blind obedience” gone out the window,