Please take note:

Just as when you get your first job or when you become a parent for the first time: new responsibilities come with new, and usually higher, expectations. The same happens when you become a priest, monk, nun, or hermit. And we all know that those higher expectations sometimes prove to be too difficult to meet. Because we all do our best, but sometimes we fail nonetheless. All we can do is get up, and try again. Slowly but surely becoming better at what we do.

However: for Christians - and even more so for cardinals, bishops, priests, monks, nuns, hermits, and even for so-called fools for Christ - it's especially important to be open and accountable about their behaviour in general, and about their failures in particular. Why? Because our behaviour is intrinsically and intricately part of who we are, of what we believe, and of the example we are called to live.

"However: for Christians - and even more so for cardinals, bishops, priests, monks, nuns, hermits, and so-called fools for Christ - it's especially important to be open and accountable about their behaviour in general, and about their failures in particular. Why? because our behaviour is intrinsically and intricately part of who we are, of what we believe, and of the example we are called to live"

Our Pope Gregorius the First (540 - 604 AD) phrased this best when he pointed out that if someone’s way of life is despised, his or her faith will be too.

Unfortunately, that lesson needs to be learned and relearned again and again, both in every generation and in every individual life. My life is certainly no exception to that rule. And, perhaps, neither is your life.

That is why I will always appreciate to receive your feedback and critique. Especially - in the spirit of psalm 141:5 - when you are critical or even downright negative about me. For your honest feedback will help me self-empty from all my wrong proclivities and habits, thereby helping me to become a better person. Also in this way you will help me grow as a Christian, and it will enable me to apologise and make amends to you whenever you may have felt offended because of me.

May God (+) remain close to us.

Your brother-in-Christ,

bartholomew.