It's not every day the Pope visits a local Basilica. So, Rome's Basilica of St. John Lateran, was ready to welcome Pope Francis and to take part in his Mass.
It was the episcopal consecration of one of Rome's new auxiliary Bishops, Msgr. Angelo de Donatis.
In this elaborate ceremony, the Pope officially welcomed him to the episcopal conference.
'Yes, I want it.â?
With a full church, the Pope reminded the new auxiliary Bishop, and really all the other Bishops attending, that the title is not about power, but about service.
POPE FRANCIS
'The episcopate is a title of service, not of honor. Being a bishop is about service, not domination.â?
The Pope made a personal request, asking De Donatis to pay special attention to the spiritual formation of seminarians and deacons.
He also highlighted the importance of delivering homilies that are short, to the point, relevant and moving.
POPE FRANCIS
'Your words should be simple. Words that everyone can understand. Don't give long homilies. FLASH. Your homilies should transmit the grace of God. They should be simple, understandable by everyone. May they encourage others to improve themselves.â?
With the Year of Mercy starting on December 8th, the Pope also called on the new auxiliary Bishop to practice mercy, not only with words, but above all else, with actions.
POPE FRANCIS
'I ask you dear brother to be merciful. The Church and the world are in such great need of mercy.â?
To fully welcome him into Italy's Episcopal Conference, the ceremony also included the so called imposition of the hands, by fellow Bishops and of course, by the Pope himself.
With applause in the background, the new auxiliary bishop was then personally congratulated.
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