1.
The
relationship of bishops to the universal Church
a)
“all
the bishops in hierarchical communion share in the responsibility in the
universal Church”. Expressions
are
ecumenical councils, synods of bishops and regular consultations on
universal issues (art. 4, art. 5)
b)
concern
for all the churches, especially the needy ones(art.6) and bishops in need
(art. 7)
c)
wider
use of bishops’ authority without recourse to Apostolic See (art. 8)
Pastoral Munus ,
d)
reorganization
and internationalization of Roman Curia (art.9, art. 10).
2.
Bishops
and their particular churches or dioceses.
a)
Bishops
are pastors and feed their sheep in Christ’s name by teaching,
sanctifying and governing. They
are also
witnesses of Christ, concerned that all “may walk in all
goodness and justice and truth (art. 11).
b)
Proper
training of catechists (art. 14).
c)
Bishops
to give an example of holiness through charity, humility and simplicity of
life (art. 15).
d)
Bishop
must be one who serves. Good
shepherd who knows his sheep and whose sheep know him.
A true
father who excels in the spirit of love.
Welcome priests who are his sons and friends.
Facilitates their integral
development. Compassionate. Promotes
also the welfare of the welfare of the lay.
Fosters ecumenism and
interreligious dialogue ( art. 16).
e)
Encourages
various forms of apostolate which he coordinates. Use of surveys (art. 17).
f)
Care
of migrants, etc. (art. 18).
g)
Episcopal
vicars assist the bishop, also the pastoral council (art. 27), all priests
too.
h)
Community
life for priests (art. 30).
i)
Religious
priests, in a certain sense, belong to the clergy of the diocese. Other
religious, men and women, also
belong to the diocesan family (art. 34).
3.
Concerning
cooperation of Bishops for the Common Good of many Churches.
a) synod
and councils to flourish with new vigor (art. 36)
b)
national
and regional conferences of bishops (art. 37)
c) establishment
of military vicariate (art. 43)
Prepared by: Bp. Dinualdo D. Gutierrez, DD
