“Be an employee of Jesus Christ”: Catholic Bishop in Angola Tells Priest at Ordination

He acknowledged that professional activities can contribute to social well-being and sustainability but cautioned that they should never become the principal concern of someone entrusted with the Priestly Mission.

“The priest must live for the community and place his time, abilities and life at the service of the people entrusted to him,” Bishop Lasarte said.

The Uruguayan-born member of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB)  warned the Priest-elect against allowing personal interests, friendships, money or comfort to determine his priorities.

“The Priest should not direct his life according to personal interests, friendships, money or comforts, but should make the dreams and concerns of the communities his own,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader noted that activities outside the pastoral mission can be accepted when they are good and beneficial, provided they do not compromise the priest’s fundamental commitment to Christ and his people.

Bishop Lasarte emphasized that pastoral dedication cannot be reduced to celebrating Mass or following an established schedule.

“Dedication to the Mission cannot be limited to the celebration of Mass or the fulfillment of schedules. The Priest must be permanently available to the community. The Priest is a Priest 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he said.

Presenting Jesus as the Good Shepherd as a model for Priestly Ministry, Bishop Lasarte contrasted authentic pastoral leadership with that of a hired hand who acts out of self-interest.

“The true shepherd must have a sense of belonging to the community, rejoice in its joys, suffer with its difficulties and spend his time for the good of the people,” he said.

Bishop Lasarte recalled that the Church entrusts Priests with three fundamental responsibilities: pastoring, teaching and sanctifying.