Like the rest of the island, I received the news of Bishop Charles Scicluna being appointed Archbishop of Malta – leaked in the press – with respect.

In principle, he has the qualities needed for such a noble mission.

However, I would like to make one very simple and pertinent suggestion to the new archbishop.

He should respect his priests.

I say this because I felt let down by the bishop on at least three occasions. On one occasion, He promised he will come to my help but this help never came.

He had promised to write to me within a few days but his reply never arrived.

Lastly, I asked his support on a particular item and he did not even answer me, let alone extended his support to me.

As far as I know, I was respectful all the way as I have always been to the eight bishops I served throughout my 48 years as a priest.

I felt abandoned and, now aged 73, I left the island in January to return to my mission in Brazil, where I have been working for 30 years, deeply hurt.

Let the new archbishop know that a genuine priest, as most of us are, looks at the bishop as the person ones trust.

If this trust is not met, the priest in question would have a serious crisis, which can easily break him because it is not a pain resulting from some outside persecution but the product of the indifference of one´s pastor regarding a problem you are facing.

Thanks to my strong faith I overcame this most difficult moment and I am happy on my mission.

So, Mgr Scicluna, respect your priests because their happiness depends on you, their bishop.