The homily spoken by the Holy Father during the Eucharistic Celebration was based on the ritual homily provided in the Italian edition of the Roman Pontifical for the Ordination of Bishops.
Homily of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
for the Episcopal Ordination of
His Excellency, Angelo De Donatis
Beloved brothers and sons, it will do us well to reflect attentively on the elevated ecclesial responsibility that is asked of this our brother.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, sent by the Father to redeem mankind, himself sent the twelve disciples into the world so that filled with the strength of the Holy Spirit, they might proclaim the gospel to all people, and unite them under one shepherd, sanctifying them and guiding them to salvation.
In order to continue this apostolic ministry from one generation to the next, the Twelve commissioned other collaborators by transmitting to them, through the imposition of their hands, the gift of the Spirit that they themselves had received from Christ, who had conferred the fullness of sacramental Ordination. Thus, through the unbroken succession of bishops in the living tradition of the Church, this primary ministry and work of the Saviour is conserved, continues and grows even in our time.
In the bishop, surrounded by his priests, our Lord Jesus Christ, the supreme and eternal priest is himself present among you.
In fact, it is Christ who in the ministry of the bishop continues to preach the gospel of salvation and to sanctify believers through the sacraments of faith; it is Christ who in the paternity of the bishop calls new members to his body which is the Church; it is Christ who in the wisdom and prudence of the bishop guides the people of God on their earthly pilgrimage toward eternal happiness.
Therefore, welcome with joy and gratitude this, our brother who we bishops, through the imposition of our hands, today will include in the Episcopal College. Render unto him the honour is due to the ministers of Christ and to the dispensers of the mysteries of God, to whom are confided the witness of the gospel and the ministry of the Spirit for the work of sanctification. Remember the words of Jesus, spoken to the Apostles: Whoever listens to you, listens to me; whoever rejects you, rejects me; and whoever rejects me, rejects the one who sent me.
As for you, beloved brother, the Lord's elect, consider that you have been chosen from among men and for the sake of men, you have been constituted in relation to God. Episcopacy is in fact a type of service, not an honour, since the bishop is expected to serve, not to dominate, according to the commandment of the Master: Whoever seeks to be the greatest among you must become as the smallest, the leader as one who serves.
Proclaim the Word in season and out of season; reprimand if necessary, but always with gentleness, encourage with patience and doctrine. Your words should be simple, so that all people may understand that yours are not long homilies. Permit me to say: remember your father, when he was so very happy to have found another parish not far away where the Mass would be celebrated without a homily! Homilies should always be simply the transmissions of God's grace: simple, so that everyone understands and everyone has the desire to better themselves.
In the Church that is confided to your care - especially here in Rome - I entrust to you the priests, the seminarians: you have that charism! Be a faithful guardian and dispenser of the mysteries of Christ. Placed by the Father at the head of his family, always follow the example of the Good Shepherd, who knows his flock, who is known by them, and for whom did not hesitate to give his life.
With all your heart, love all those who God confides to you with the love of a father and a brother: as I said, above all the priests and deacons, the seminarians: but also the poor, the vulnerable and those who are in need of welcome and help. Exhort the faithful to work with you in apostolic commitment and willingly listen with patience: often, we need lots of patience ... but this is how the Kingdom of God comes about.
Remember that you should pay keen attention to those who do not belong to the flock of Christ, since they too have been confided to you by the Lord.
Remember that in the Catholic Church, gathered in the bond of charity, you are united to the college of bishops and should carry within you a concern for all the Churches, generously assisting those who are most in need of help. And, since we will soon begin the Year of Mercy, I ask you as a brother to be merciful. The Church and the world need so much mercy. You must teach priests and seminarians the ways of mercy. With words yes, but above all with your life. The mercy of the Father always receives, always has room in his heart, never chases anyone away. Wait, wait ... This is my wish for you: mercy.
Lovingly keep watch over the flock, in the midst of which the Holy Spirit places you to rule the Church of God: in the name of the Father whose image you portray; in the name of Jesus Christ his Son, by whom you are established as a teacher, priest and pastor; in the name of the Holy Spirit who gives life to the Church and with his power supports us in our weakness.
Later, during the Liturgy of Ordination, at the moment of entrusting the episcopal ring, the Holy Father added these words:
Never forget that before this ring, there were those of your parents. Defend the family.
No comments:
Post a Comment