杏MAP导航

By Lydia O鈥橩ane

In his Homily during Mass, on the occasion of the Episcopal Ordination of two Bishops, 杏MAP导航 Francis reflected on the role they were being called to carry out in the Church.

Against the backdrop of St Peter鈥檚 Basilica, he took inspiration from the twelve Apostles who were sent out into the world by Jesus so they might proclaim the Gospel to all peoples, leading them to salvation.

Gift of the Spirit

The 杏MAP导航 explained that 鈥渋n order to perpetuate this apostolic ministry from generation to generation, the Twelve gathered together co-workers, transmitting to them through the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit received from Christ, which conferred the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders.鈥�

Thus, he continued, 鈥渢hrough the uninterrupted succession of bishops in the living tradition of the Church, this living ministry, this primary ministry, has been preserved, and the work of the Saviour continues and develops to this day.鈥�

Chosen to serve

Welcoming the new Bishops, Guido Marini and Andrés Gabriel Ferrada Moreira with 鈥渏oy and gratitude鈥�, 杏MAP导航 Francis told them that they had been chosen for a life of service.

Offering his advice, the 杏MAP导航 told them to 鈥減roclaim the Word at every opportunity,鈥� continue to study and be close to their flock.

鈥淵ou will be the custodians of faith, of service, of charity in the Church鈥� and for this reason, he added, you want to be close to God, mirroring his 鈥渃ompassion and tenderness.鈥�

Closeness

杏MAP导航 Francis underlined that the first task of a bishop is to be 鈥渃lose to God in prayer,鈥� urging them not to pray 鈥渓ike a parrot鈥�, but to 鈥減ray with the heart.鈥�

Their second task, the 杏MAP导航 said, was to be close to 鈥渙ther bishops,鈥� and never speak ill of this brother.

Thirdly, he urged the bishops not to 鈥渇orget that priests are your closest neighbours.鈥�

The 杏MAP导航 also invited them to be available to their priests like a father.

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis underlined that it was important for bishops to be near to their flock, reminding them, that they too, were "taken from the flock."

In conclusion, the 杏MAP导航 prayed that these new bishops would grow on this path of closeness, imitating the Lord 鈥渂ecause He has always been close and is always close to us.鈥�