Letter to the editor: Father Martin Bartel more than 'numbers guy'

The veiled criticism of the Rev. Martin de Porres Bartel, newly elected archabbot of Saint Vincent Archabbey, as a “numbers guy” indicates that the letter-writer does not know the man we know and love (“Numbers guys making the decisions,” Aug. 3, TribLIVE). He may have degrees in law, business administration, divinity, Latin and philosophy, but, above all, he is a man of God and well-respected in this community and beyond.

A good friend of my son studied business at Saint Vincent College when Bartel was president. Bartel insisted on living in the dormitory with the students. The friend said he could knock on his door any hour of the day or night and ask for help. That alone speaks volumes about the “numbers” man who is more interested in counting us among the followers of Christ and his message of love.

Tom Niggel

Greensburg

This letter was also submitted by members of St. Bruno Parish, Greensburg, where Bartel served as pastor.