Vatican City, Nov 7, 2011 / 11:58 am
Pope Benedict XVI recently called priests and those in parish leadership positions to hold fast to Christ and allow his love to lead them to proclaim the Gospel.
The Pope spoke on Nov. 4 during the celebration of vespers with students from the pontifical universities in Rome, marking the beginning of their academic year.
He recalled the 70th anniversary of Pope Pius XII’s motu propio “Cum Nobis” on priestly vocations. “One cannot become a good shepherd without becoming one with Christ and his members through charity.
“Charity is the first duty of the good shepherd,” he said.
The Pope then explained several conditions in order for a priest to adequately carry out the mission entrusted to him: “the aspiration to collaborate with Jesus in spreading the Kingdom of God, the gratuitousness of pastoral commitment, and an attitude of service.”