杏MAP导航 at Mass with Episcopal Ordinations: Watch over the flock with love
By Vatican News
杏MAP导航 Francis began by reflecting on the ecclesial responsibilities to which the new Bishops are called. These responsibilities include perpetuating the Apostolic Ministry of the first Apostles from generation to generation.
Unbroken succession
鈥淭he Twelve gathered together collaborators鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航, and by the laying on of hands, they 鈥渢ransmitted to them the gift of the Spirit received from Christ鈥�. Through the unbroken succession of Bishops in the living tradition of the Church, continued 杏MAP导航 Francis, 鈥渢his primary ministry has been preserved and the work of the Saviour continues and develops to our times鈥�.
It is Christ
It is Christ, said the 杏MAP导航, 鈥渨ho in the ministry of the Bishop, continues to preach the Gospel of salvation and to sanctify believers through the sacraments of faith鈥�. It is Christ, he continued, 鈥渨ho in the wisdom and prudence of the Bishop, guides the People of God on their earthly pilgrimage to eternal happiness鈥�.
Chosen by the Lord
Addressing the new Bishops directly, the 杏MAP导航 told them they are 鈥渃hosen by the Lord鈥�. "Episcopate", he said, 鈥渋s the name of a service, not of an honour鈥�. The Bishop is more responsible for service than for domination.
杏MAP导航 Francis also told them to announce the Word on every opportune and inopportune occasion: 鈥渁dmonish, reprove, exhort with all magnanimity and doctrine鈥�, he said.
Faithful custodians
The 杏MAP导航 continued his advice to the new Bishops, asking them to be 鈥渇aithful custodians and dispensers of the mysteries of Christ鈥�, always following the example of the Good Shepherd, 鈥渨ho knows His sheep, is known by them and does not hesitate to give His life for them鈥�.
Love the defenseless
杏MAP导航 Francis said the Bishops need to love all those God entrusts to them, especially their priests and deacons but also 鈥渢he poor, the defenseless and all those in need of hospitality and help鈥�.
Watch over the flock
Finally, the 杏MAP导航 said they should watch over the whole flock with love. Watch, he said, 鈥渋n the name of the Father, whose image you make present; in the name of Jesus Christ, his Son, by whom you are made teachers, priests and pastors; in the name of the Holy Spirit who gives life to the Church and who, by His power, sustains our weakness鈥�.
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