VATICAN CITY, JAN 6, 1999 (VIS) - Today, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, John Paul II ordained nine bishops from Italy, Spain, France, Ireland, India and Vietnam, during Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
In his homily, the Holy Father said that today's liturgy speaks of the light of Christ: "The same light which led the shepherds to the crib in Bethlehem indicates the way, on the day of the Epiphany, for the Wise Kings from the East who came to adore the King of the Jews and which shines for all men and women and for all peoples who long to encounter God."
Having recalled the custom of conferring episcopal ordination on prelates on the Epiphany, he told the new bishops: "Today I have the joy of consecrating you so that in the plenitude of your priesthood, you may be ministers of the manifestation of God among people."
He told Msgrs. Alessandro D'Errico, Salvatore Pennacchio and Alain Lebeaupin, apostolic nuncios in Pakistan, Rwanda and Ecuador: "You will be witnesses of unity and communion between local churches and the Apostolic See."
The Pope said to Msgr. Cesare Mazzolari, new bishop of Rumbek, Sudan, that the people of his land, "for years subject to endless suffering, are hoping for just peace in respecting the human rights of all, beginning with the weakest. And you, Msgr. Pierre Tran Dinh Tu, are called to become a messenger of hope in the diocese of Phu Cuong, Vietnam, among brothers and sisters in the faith who have undergone quite a number of difficult situations."
To Msgrs. Diarmuid Martin of Ireland, and Jose Luis Redrado of Spain, secretaries of the Pontifical Councils for Justice and Peace and for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers, he said: "Continue in your valued service to the Roman Curia."
Finally, he assured Msgrs. Rafael Cob Garcia, apostolic vicar of Puyo, Ecuador, and Mathew Moolakkatt, auxiliary bishop of Kottayam of the Syro-Malabars: "You remind me of Asia and America, continents which recently celebrated special assemblies of the Synod of Bishops."
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