Dear Giuseppe,

It’s not as bad here as you imagine. Worse things could happen than house arrest at the Casa Santa Marta. The food is simple but good, and I am allowed visitors from time to time (mostly American liturgists who generously explain to me the error of my ways).

I would appreciate some reading material, though. All I have here at the moment is a heavily redacted version of Sacrosanctum Concilium and some yellowing back numbers of The Tablet.

I am allowed a letter a day, which Fr Lombardi kindly checks for errors before it is sent. Of course the great advantage of this place is being able to attend the Mass, where we generally have a homily from the Holy Father. I can truly say that I always feel he is speaking to me personally.

Nourished daily by this spiritual food, I am growing in both wisdom and holiness.

With all good wishes,

Robert