“It
is Christ who, in the bishop's ministry, continues to preach the
Gospel of salvation and to sanctify believers, through the sacraments
of the faith”, he said. “Indeed, 'episcopate' is the name of a
service, not an honour. It is the bishop's responsibility to serve
rather than to dominate, according to the commandment of the Master:
'the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who
rules like the one who serves'”.
He
then invited the new bishops to “proclaim the Word in every
occasion, opportune or otherwise. … And through prayer and the
offer of sacrifice for your people, you will draw from the fullness
of Christ's holiness the many and varied riches of divine grace.
Through prayer. Remember that first conflict in the Church of
Jerusalem, when the bishops had so much work in looking after widows
and orphans, and decided to appoint deacons. Why? To pray and preach
the Word. A bishop who does not pray is a bishop who arrives only
half way along the path. And if he does not pray to the Lord, he
falls prey to worldliness”.
The
bishop must accompany service and prayer with love. “Love, with the
love of a father and of a brother, all those whom God entrusts to
you. Above all, love the priests and deacons. They are your
collaborators, the nearest of the near for you. Never make a priest
wait: he asks for an audience? Answer immediately! Be close to them.
But also love the poor, the defenceless and those who need welcome
and help. Encourage the faithful to co-operate in the apostolic task
and listen to them willingly”.
Finally,
Francis encouraged them to pay close attention to “those who have
strayed from the fold of Christ, because they too have been entrusted
to you by the Lord. Pray for them. Remember that in the Catholic
Church, brought together by the bond of charity, you are united with
the College of bishops and must bring with you the care of all the
Churches, generously assisting those most in need of help”.
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