Pope ordains bishop in Saint Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City, 16 Nov 2013: The episcopate is a service, not an honor to Bishop to rule, but to serve, said Pope Francis in his homily during Mass he presided in St. Peter’s Basilica, at the episcopal ordination of Fernando Vergez Álzaga on Friday evening. Since September, Bishop Alzaga serves as the Secretary General of the Governatorate of Vatican City State.

Though the homily delivered by Pope Francis was the one proposed by the ritual for ordination of bishops, Pope Francis added a few personal remarks. “In the name of the Church I thank you,” the Pope said, for “a humble and quiet service, a filial and fraternal service.”

Pope Francis highlighted the great responsibility of the bishop who bears within himself the presence of Jesus Christ. The bishop is the father and brother of all. The Pope then recalled Alzaga’s service of charity done as secretary of the Argentine Cardinal Edward Pironio.

Preach the Word in season and out of season; rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. And by prayer and the offering of sacrifice for your people, dip into the fullness of Christ's holiness the richness and variety of divine grace. "And in a special way, you are entrusted with this pastoral care of the employees of the Vatican. Be their father and brother, with true love and tenderness."

But being a bishop also means attention to the distant, said the Pope, namely, those who do not belong to the 'one fold of Christ, because they too have been entrusted to you in the Lord."
After Mass, Pope Francis greeted the new bishop and his family members in the Chapel of the Pieta.
Source: VR Sedoc