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Castel Gandolfo, Vatican, 17th September 2004 (CNA) -
This morning at
Castelgandolfo, the Pope spoke to 130 recently-appointed
bishops from both the Oriental and Occidental Churches,
about their duties as bishops, especially emphasising
their duty “to take special care of the celebration of
the Sacraments and worship in general.”
The bishops of the "two
traditions of the universal Church, East and West," were
in Rome taking part in a meeting organized by the
Congregations for Bishops and for the Oriental
Churches.
The Holy Father said that
"with consecration, a bishop turns into teacher, priest
and guide of the Christian community. Therefore, Christ,
the divine Master, present in the Word of Scripture as
well as in the sacrament of the Eucharist, must always
be at the center of his ministry."
"My strong desire is that
the Year of the Eucharist, that will begin on October 10
with the opening of the International Eucharistic
Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, will be a providential
occasion to better explore the central importance of the
sacrament of the Eucharist in the life and activity of
every particular Church. The bonds of fraternal charity
are strengthened around the altar and the awareness is
enlivened in all believers of belonging to the one
People of God, whom the bishops guide."
John Paul II emphasized
that as bishops they have the duty "to take special care
of the celebration of the Sacraments and worship in
general. Defend the hope of the faithful to have a
dignified celebration in which nothing is left to
improvisation or chance."
"You are aware," he
concluded, "that the ministry of sanctification requires
the witness of a holy life. The Spirit of God, which has
sanctified you through episcopal consecration, awaits
your generous response daily. ... In order to confirm
what we teach, the witness of our life is
necessary." |
