VIS - OCT. 24 Yesterday afternoon in St. Peter's Basilica Pope Francis consecrated two new bishops: Bishop Giampiero Gloder, president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, and Bishop Jean-Marie Speich, apostolic nuncio to Ghana. The Holy Father read the ritual homily, in accordance with the Roman Pontifical for episcopal ordinations, adding some personal reflections.
HOMILY OF POPE FRANCIS
Brothers and beloved sons,
Think carefully to what high responsibilities Church are called these brothers. Our Lord Jesus Christ sent by the Father to redeem men he sent to his time in the world the twelve apostles, because the full power of the Holy Spirit annunziassero the Gospel to all peoples and bringing them together under one shepherd, and sanctify and guide them to salvation .
In order to perpetuate from generation to generation this apostolic ministry, the Twelve aggregated employees by sending them with the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit received from Christ, who gave the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. Thus, through the unbroken succession of bishops in the living tradition of the Church has kept this ministry primary and the Savior's work continues and develops up to our times. In the bishop surrounded by his priests is present among you the same our Lord Jesus Christ, the high priest forever.
And 'Christ, in fact, that in the ministry of the bishop continues to preach the gospel of salvation and sanctification of believers through the sacraments of the faith. And 'Christ in the fatherhood of the bishop of new members increases his body which is the Church. And 'Christ in the wisdom and prudence of the bishop leading the people of God in the earthly pilgrimage to the eternal happiness.
Accept, then, with joy and gratitude our brothers, we bishops by the laying on of hands today associate with the episcopal college. Give them the honor that is due to the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God, who are entrusted with the testimony of the gospel and the ministry of the Spirit for the sanctification. Remember the words of Jesus to the Apostles: "He who hears you hears me, and whoever rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects the one who sent me."
As for you, Jean-Marie and Giampiero, chosen by the Lord, think that you have been chosen from among men and for men, you have been appointed in things pertaining to God "episcopate" is in fact the name of a service, not a honor. The bishop competes more serve the master, according to the commandment of the Master: "Who is the greatest among you become as the youngest. And who governs as he who serves." Always on duty, always.
Proclaim the Word at every opportunity: and out of season. Rebuke, exhort with all patience and teaching. And through prayer and the offering of sacrifice for your people, draw from the fullness of Christ's holiness the richness and variety of divine grace.Through prayer. Remember that first conflict in the Church of Jerusalem, when the bishops had so much work to keep the widows, the orphans and have decided to appoint deacons. Why? To pray and preach the Word. A bishop who does not pray is a bishop in midstream. And if you do not please the Lord, ends up in worldliness.
In the Church entrusted to you be faithful guardians and stewards of the mysteries of Christ, the Father placed at the head of his family always follow the example of the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep, which they are known and they did not hesitate to give life.
The bishop's love, love, love with love of father and brother all those whom God has entrusted to you. First of all, love the priests and deacons. Are your employees are the next closest to you. Never to wait a priest; asks an audience? Respond immediately! Be close to them. But also love the poor, the helpless and those who need to welcome and help. Urged the faithful to cooperate and listen to the apostolic willingly.
Have keen attention to those who do not belong to the one fold of Christ, because they too have been entrusted to you in the Lord. Pray much for them. Remember that in the Catholic Church, gathered together in the bond of charity, you are united to the College of Bishops and you need to bring in the care of all the Churches, generously rescuing those who are most in need of help.
And watch with love to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit puts you to rule the Church of God awake in the name of the Father, which make present the image, in the name of Jesus Christ, his Son, by whom ye made masters , priests and pastors.In the name of the Holy Spirit that gives life to the Church and by his power sustains our weakness. So be it!
[01546-01.01] [Original text: Italian] INTERNET TRANSLATION FROM VATICAN.VA
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