Our people's next bishops

We live in the immediate days before that fateful date when, according to the Church's laws, the Maltese islands are expected to have new bishops assigned to them. The incumbent bishops are approaching their 75th birthday. And Canon Law stipulates that a diocesan bishop, the day he is 75, "is to offer his resignation to the Pope who, after examining all circumstances, will provide." (Can. 101 parag. I)

For months now, we have been seeing correspondence in the press on the characteristics and virtues one expects to see in the local bishop. Nothing wrong, as long as there are no bad slipperies in what we write. After all, a priest is made bishop for the people of God! Hence nothing bad if this same people makes its voice heard in such circumstances. Provided the thing is done in a just way and in unison with the spirit of Mother Church.

Indeed, at times the pen is taken up by individuals not necessarily competent to intervene on the subject. It is likewise true that, in such questions, we could also let passions run away with us. So that not always does rectitude of intents transpire! This, however, in no way means that those responsible for the choice itself should not take into consideration sound ideas and wishes expressed by the faithful of the diocese concerned.

Nor do I see anything wrong if opinions are sounded, particularly those of certain sections of the people of God. In fact, I was not in the least astonished to find out that the religious review Pastor did send to priests in Malta questionnaires in connection with the "qualities" one would like to see in the new archbishop. Good!

Whether the results of such surveys or even letters and articles in papers are then actually given any consideration by those responsible for the appoint-ment of bishops, is naturally another question! Yes, it is not impossible that, even in such matters, not wholly upright behaviour could creep in, one not entirely approved by God. There has been such irregular behaviour in the past and there could be in the future.

Nor can one absolutely exclude the phenomenon of "friends of friends", which we so often hear mentioned in other spheres of life. Which behaviour, obviously connected with human weakness, might subsequently give negative results for the welfare of the diocese itself!

This, however, does not necessarily mean that errors in the administration of dioceses, in past as well as present times, are due to the fact that the chosen ones were not those the Lord had put his eyes on. Absolutely not! One could have a person actually chosen by God as Aaron but who subsequently, falls victim to human wreakness.

The primary duty of a bishop is to create an environment which truly leads to the salvation of souls entrusted to his care.

This only obtains if bishops fulfil the mission Jesus Christ had, namely that of teaching, leading and, above all, sanctifying the people. This was made clear by the Church in Can. 375, saying that bishops are put as shepherds that they may be teachers, priests for the sacred cult and ministers in leadership.

The people of God should see their bishops exemplars and models of truth, justice and virtue, that character contrary to the mundane spirit of the world. Only thus can it be said that bishops are truly acting "in Persona Christ" and only thus can they administer the sacraments with that veneration due to God. (Can. 387).

A bishop should give that type of leadership as a result of which people entering a church are not confronted with something which is alien to the holiness due to the place or with a liturgy which shows abuses. A bishop's leadership should be such as to make God's ministers lead the flock towards God and not towards themselves, to-wards Christ in an atmosphere of humility and not of condemnable ambition.

A few days ago we had a survey on the religious state of Gozo's youth. Results have well shown the dire necessity that bishops see that young people are truly taught Christian Faith, taught by priests worthy of their name and dedicated to their pastoral work.

Some time ago, I read that bishops and other shepherds of God's flock have to be most careful that they may not "fall to the level of teenagers behaving and working for their childish enthusiasm, but bring up youth to a high level of dignity and nobility of spirit".

I also read that bishops and priests should be such as to love souls more than their own personal material interests, live to serve the people, not to acquire popularity, but to save souls. It is imperative that bishops have zero tolerance for certain abuses of those who are supposed to be their cooperators, parish priests and priests in the foremost lines. That we may not expose the Church to ridicule and souls to damnation!