杏MAP导航

by Devin Watkins

Much to the joy of the Catholic community of Bangladesh, 杏MAP导航 Francis conferred the rite of Holy Orders on 16 of their sons at a special Mass in Dhaka鈥檚 Suhrawardy Udyan Park.

In his homily, the Holy Father had words of encouragement and exhortation for these newly-ordained priests.

Nourishment for God鈥檚 people

He told them to put into practice the law of the Lord upon which they meditate.

鈥淢editating on the law of the Lord, see that you believe what you read, that you teach what you believe, and that you practice what you teach,鈥� he said.

This, he said, would make them into 鈥渘ourishment for the people of God.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis said that, while God had made the entire holy people a royal priesthood, Jesus himself 鈥渃hose certain disciples to carry out publicly in his name, and on behalf of mankind, a priestly office in the Church.鈥�

Co-workers of bishops

As priests, he said, they are especially meant to be co-workers of the local bishop.

杏MAP导航 Francis said the young priests will exercise 鈥渢he sacred duty of teaching in the name of Christ the Teacher鈥� and share the word of God they have received with joy.

He said they are called to sanctify God鈥檚 people in Christ.

鈥淏y your ministry the spiritual sacrifice of the faithful will be made perfect, being united to the sacrifice of Christ, which will be offered through your hands in an unbloody way on the altar, in union with the faithful, in the celebration of the sacraments,鈥� he said.

Finally, the Holy Father told the 16 newly-ordained Bangladeshi priests to focus on the example of the Good Shepherd, 鈥渨ho came not to be served but to serve, and who came to seek out and save what was lost.鈥�