“Vanity not only distances us from God: it makes us look ridiculous.”
– Pope Francis @Pontifex, Oct. 31, 2015
Pope to priests: “Be pastors, not officials”
Speaking to a group of priests and bishops at a conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s decrees on priestly formation and ministry on Nov. 20, Pope Francis said that priests cannot forget their roots, that they aren’t “mushrooms” that magically sprout at ordination. “On the day of their ordination, I always say to the new priests: ‘Do not forget where you came from; from the flock.”
He also stressed that priests must learn to rejoice and not become rigid authoritarians with the flock entrusted to them. “The words of St. Ambrose come to mind: ‘Where there is mercy, there is the spirit of God. Where there is rigidity, there are only his ministers.’ And a minister without the Lord becomes rigid. This is a danger for the people of God. Be pastors, not officials.”
Parents, can you “waste time” with your children? It is one of the most important things that you can do each day.
– Pope Francis @Pontifex Oct. 27, 2015