I wrote a few months ago about the detrimental effect golf had on my mental health. I spoke of the blows to the midriff of my self-esteem, self-respect and general good humour. Oh, how the hard-wired awareness of my many inadequacies comes bubbling to the surface.

Soon after that edition of The Tablet hit the pews I got a heartfelt email from a priest friend of mine. He empathised completely with my suffering. I was both gladdened and shocked to hear this confession. It’s always reassuring to be reminded of the human frailty of our priests. But it’s also disappointing insomuch as surely they are above feeling despair at such trivial earthly pursuits as golf. But no, his pain seemed very real.