DEAR ABBY: Please permit me, a retired Canadian archbishop, to express my great satisfaction with the letters you publish. I spend several months a year in Fort Myers, Fla., and enjoy reading your articles every day.
I admire your wisdom and compassion in responding to your readers. You exercise a ministry of charity toward the most afflicted people of our society. You are often their only relief and support.
Abby, please accept my gratitude and admiration. I authorize you to publish this letter, if you wish.
With the expression of my sincere friendship ... JEAN-MARIE FORTIER, ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS OF SHERBROOKE, QUEBEC
DEAR ARCHBISHOP FORTIER: Thank you for the compliment. I have never considered what I do to be a "ministry." I have always regarded it as a privilege.
Although I'm sure that many of those who read my column do so for its entertainment value, I also know that many people read it for comfort or because they're seeking answers to their own problems. Many of them are not aware of the help that is available in their own communities.
Over the years, readers have told me that they have learned from me. However, I see it the other way around. They teach me -- every day -- through their letters. So, I am the one who has learned from them.