Pope tells Filipino bishops: take care of your clergy

Pope Benedict urged Philippine bishops to put a premium in the ongoing formation of the clergy and to guide them to spiritual maturity.

The bishops have a paternal duty towards their clergy and should guide them with sincere concern, said the pope.

The Holy Father said the statement on March 3, during the “ad limina visit” of Mindanao bishops and the Archbishop of Lipa.

He lauded the continuing formation programs many dioceses have for the young clergy to help them adjust to an independent life outside the seminary.  

“Along these lines, it is also helpful for them to be assigned mentors from among those older priests who have proven themselves to be faithful servants of the Lord,” he said.

“These men can guide their younger confrères along the path toward a mature and well-balanced way of priestly living,” the pope added.

Saying that “priests of all ages” need continuous care in all aspects of their priestly life, the Holy Father also encouraged that “regular days of recollection, yearly retreats and convocations, as well as programs for continuing education and assistance for priests who may be facing difficulties”, be promoted.

He also urged the bishops to look after the well-being of their priests assigned in isolated areas.

The pontiff noted how the Second National Congress for the Clergy held during the Year for Priests “became an occasion for renewal and fraternal support” among the clergy.

He encouraged the prelates to benefit from the annual celebration of Holy Thursday, “during which the Church commemorates the priesthood in a special way.”

 “Remind your priests of their commitment to celibacy, obedience, and an ever greater dedication to pastoral service,” the pope told the bishops.

“In living out their promises, these men will become true spiritual fathers with a personal and psychological maturity that will grow to mirror the paternity of God,” he added.