(-ONLY VIDEO-) During his weekly general audience, Pope Francis explained that bishops, priests and deacons are called to guide and protect the Church, especially through the celebration of the Sacraments.
SUMMARY OF POPE'S CATECHESIS:
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
In our catechesis on the Church, we have seen that the Holy Spirit constantly bestows his gifts for the upbuilding of the Body of Christ. Among these gifts are the ordained ministries. Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, bishops, priests and deacons are called to guide and protect Christâ??s flock, above all though the celebration of the sacraments which give us new life in Christ.
The Church is thus both hierarchical and maternal: her ordained ministries are at the service of her spiritual motherhood. This is especially clear in the case of bishops, who are called to lead the Christian community as living signs of the Lordâ??s presence in our midst. Like the Apostles whose successors they are, the Bishops form one college in communion with the Pope.
This collegiality is seen not only in special assemblies like the recent Synod but also in the daily communion of Bishops throughout the world. Let us ask the Lord to draw us nearer to himself and to one another through the ministry of our bishops, priests and deacons, in the unity of 'our Holy Mother the Hierarchical Churchâ?.
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in todayâ??s Audience, including the various groups from England, Malta, Denmark, Japan and the United States of America. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke joy and peace in the Lord Jesus. God bless you all!
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