Archbishop Miller prays for 'abundance of grace'

Prelates to 'harmonize charismatic diversity' in Church unity

Archbishop Miller prays over Bishop Stephen Jensen April 2. His homily focused on
how a prelate should be a "father to his people," but also "a brother and friend" to all.
(Photo: Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic)

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, spoke about the role of a bishop at the episcopal ordination of Bishop Stephen Jensen in Prince George:

The great saint and bishop, Augustine, once wrote to his people words that undoubtedly are Bishop-elect Jensen's as well: "Believe me, brothers and sisters, if what I am for you frightens me, what I am with you reassures me. For you I am the bishop; with you I am a Christian."

A bishop is to be a father to his people, but at the same time a brother and friend to his priests, deacons, seminarians, religious and all the lay faithful. Moreover, a bishop becomes a "father" for the very reason that he is first fully a "son" of the Church.

For full text of the homily, see The B.C. Catholic website.