Dear Editor: I remember Father Gildea as a young priest at St. Matthew’s in Brooklyn (“Nine Priests From the Diocese of Brooklyn Are Named Monsignors,” March 7).

He is the sweetest man and such a devoted soul. He walked all the way from Eastern Parkway to our house on East New York Avenue to bring my brother the application for the co-op exam as he was a public school kid who wanted to go to Brooklyn Prep.

We all love him.

Johanna Canonica

Locust Valley