Bishop Hollis talks about his sickness

Few people are lucky enough to escape sickness during their life and all of us face death at the end of it. But at the same time, it’s not always easy for people, especially those in a position of authority, to talk openly about their illnesses, particularly when it is a life-threatening one like cancer. Bishop Crispian Hollis in Portsmouth in southern England has recently undergone two major operations for bowel cancer and unlike many in his position he was very upfront about his sickness. He spoke to Susy Hodges about his illness and what it had taught him..

Bishop Hollis said when one is ill , "one of the most difficult things is to pray" but said he learnt to overcome that. He also added that "being sick ... is a great leveller... you're on a par with everybody else and that's a very good thing." He also spoke about how he went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes last year and for the first time went there as one of the sick... "I found myself on the other side of the fence."

Contrary to many other sick people, the Bishop said he regarded his sickness "as a gift..... a moment of grace" rather than a burden and says he believes his experience has made him "a better person."

Listen to the full interview by Susy Hodges With Bishop Crispian Hollis: