On Sunday, Pope Francis ordained nine men to the priesthood, encouraging them to live their priestly lives as shepherds like Christ.
He assured them they would join in Christ’s mission in a largely impromptu homily in St. Peter’s Basilica on April 25.
“You will be shepherds like him. This is what he wants of you. Pastors. Pastors of God’s holy faithful people. Pastors who go with God’s people: sometimes in front of the flock, sometimes in the middle or behind, but always there with God’s people.”He said.
He warned them that when priests lose contact with the people, they become “entrepreneurs,” rather than servants.
He was moved when he learned of a priest who was a good administrator, he said. When the priest found out that an elderly employee had made an error, he scolded him severely and fired him. As a result, the old man died, according to the Pope.
He also encouraged them always to maintain a strong connection with parishioners.
“None of you have studied to become a priest. You have studied the ecclesiastical sciences, as the Church says you should. But you have been elected, taken from God’s people,” he told them.
