2008-09-22 17:51:10

Pope Speaks to New Bishops


(22 Sept 08 - RV) Pope Benedict says that for a bishop to properly preach the Word of God, he must first listen to it. RealAudioMP3

The Holy Father was speaking to recently consecrated bishops who attended a course sponsored by the Congregations for Bishops and Eastern Churches.

Pope Benedict made note that his meeting with the Bishops occurs both in the beginning of the Pauline Year and on the eve of the 12th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which is dedicated to the Word of God.

He said these two significant events in the life of the Church also shed light on certain aspects of the spirituality and mission of a bishop.

He said that Saint Paul is a teacher and the highest model for bishops. Pope Benedict said that from his very first meeting with the Lord on the road to Damascus, his life was led conforming himself to Christ in his persecutions and sufferings.

Therefore, the first mission of the bishop is to progress on the road to Gospel perfection. The first help for a bishop on this journey is the Word of God, which unquestionable should be at the centre of the life and mission of the bishop.

The Holy Father said to confront the great challenge made by the secularism of contemporary society, it is necessary for a Bishop to daily reflect in prayer on the Word of God, to effectively announce it, and to be able to explain and defend it, and to be able to teach and transmit it.

The Course for the newly consecrated bishops was for bishops of the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church.








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