Some excerpts from his homily:
"In your priestly apostolate, allow God to make you an instrument of justice and peace...Promote the dignity and respect for all human life from its inception until natural death," the bishop said.
"Support with zeal those persons who have no voice of their own - the unborn, those with special needs, the aged and the dying. Defend the integrity of marriage and the family which, as the church teaches, are at the core of our society. Be in solidarity with those who suffer injustices in our society, those who are targets of prejudice, the poor, the migrant and the refugee. Be for them signs of God's love and mercy."
"Above all, be filled with wonder and awe at the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, from which flows the life of the church and which is the primary source of the priest's pastoral love...By the manner of your celebration of the Holy Eucharist and other sacraments, the faithful will understand more fully the transcendent truths of the faith."
"Pray before Mass," he said. "Pray in thanksgiving after Mass. Though you never do this for show, do not hesitate to let your parishioners see you as a man of prayer. They will be inspired both to pray more fervently themselves and also to pray for your perseverance."
"Love confession, both as a necessity in your own life and as the expression of your priestly ministry second only to the Holy Eucharist...Make it clear to the faithful that this sacrament is a vital part of your life," he said.
"Allow yourself to be recognized as priests, not for the sake of privilege or honor, but as a sign of your ready service to God's people. Be spiritual fathers and guides. Be directors of souls. Let your priesthood be your joy...[Appreciate] the gift of priestly celibacy by which you are free to give yourself completely to the church with an undivided heart."
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