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Don't spoil your bishops, faithful told

Church leaders are called to be servants first, Philippine archbishop says
Don't spoil your bishops, faithful told
Published: May 06, 2016 06:50 AM GMT
Updated: May 06, 2016 06:50 AM GMT

The country's bishops are called to be servants and not to seek power and enjoy VIP treatment, said Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan.

In his homily at the installation of Bishop Ricardo Baccay of Alaminos, the archbishop said bishops, as shepherds, are called "to die with Jesus."

"Jesus is calling him to die with Him. Therefore, do not spoil him. Give him the venue to suffer with you," Archbishop Villegas said.

"Give him a chance to be an apostle of joy. He is not here as the president of an NGO. He is here as a reminder of the kingdom of God," he said.

Papal nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto installed Bishop Baccay at the St. Joseph Cathedral on May 4 as the third bishop of Alaminos, a diocese of more than 500,000 Catholics.

Aside from being shepherds, Archbishop Villegas said bishops are also "companions," telling the churchgoers that Bishop Baccay "will walk, cry, laugh, and suffer with us."

"The good shepherd does not enjoy lamb and sheep on the table. The good shepherd is willing to be killed protecting his flock," Archbishop Villegas said.

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