Catholic Leadership Feedback: St. Bruno’s Art of Charity & Reform
St. Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order in 1084, modeled feedback as an act of profound charity amid solitude.
As a cathedral chancellor, he boldly confronted simony and corruption in Reims, leading a delegation to denounce his bishop’s abuses at the 1077 Council of Autun—exemplifying giving feedback with courage, justice, and hope for reform, even at personal risk (exile, property loss).
In the Carthusian Statutes, inspired by Bruno’s vision, priors act as “common fathers,” receiving monks kindly, visiting cells impartially, and offering admonitions after fault confessions to foster growth without favoritism.
Leadership Lessons for Catholic Leaders
This teaches Catholic leaders to give feedback humbly, as fraternal correction (per Aquinas), and receive it with docility, building community through truthful love in silence’s clarity.
Reflection Questions & Personal Application
How might St Bruno’s example give you the courage to engage in healthy conflict and engage in difficult conversations?
