A Catholic bishop who came under intense criticism after his plans to retire in a USD 2.3 million home in California's Silicon Valley became public, now says he will finish his days in a rectory. Bishop Patrick McGrath confessed in a statement issued yesterday that he "erred in judgement" when the San Jose diocese purchased the five-bedroom home for his retirement.

"I failed to consider adequately the housing crisis in this valley and the struggles of so many families and communities in light of that crisis," he said. "I have heard from many on this topic and I have decided that I will not move into this house." McGrath said the diocese planned to sell the nearly 3,300-square-foot (306-square-meter) home as soon as possible and any profits from the sale would go to a charity fund. "