Vatican City, Sep 22, 2008 / 12:33 pm
On Saturday Benedict XVI addressed a group of 100 recently-appointed bishops who are participating in a training seminar on the episcopate. “Allow yourselves to be guided by St. Paul who did not avoid difficulties and sufferings because he was well aware that they are part of the cross which, as Christians, we must carry every day,” he adivsed them.
Speaking at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father began his address by highlighting that the seminar, which is being promoted by the Congregation for the Evangelization of the Peoples, is being held during the year honoring St. Paul.
"I am sure that the spirit of this 'teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth' will not fail to illuminate and enrich your pastoral and episcopal ministry," he said, recalling how "the expression 'teacher of the Gentiles' opens to the future, projecting the spirit of the Apostle towards all peoples and all generations."
By reflecting on St. Paul, the Holy Father continued, the new bishops should learn “to look sympathetically upon the people to whom we are sent" and "to seek in Christ the light and grace to announce the Good News today."