Newly ordained Bishops participate in Vatican formation course
Bishops ordained in the last 12 months from around the world are gathering at the Vatican for a comprehensive formation course. The event, which also includes newly consecrated bishops from the Eastern Churches, is organized by the Dicastery for Bishops, the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches and the Dicastery for Evangelization.
By Father Paweł Rytel-Andrianik
During this period of learning and spiritual enrichment, the newly ordained bishops were received in audience by Pope Francis, celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and other churches in Rome, and interacted with key figures in the Roman Curia, including prefects of various dicasteries and representatives of the Secretariat of State. In addition, participants worked in small language groups to foster deeper dialogue.
Pope receives newly ordained bishops
The organizers said these were “intense days, rich in moments of formation and communion,” which would offer the new bishops an immersive experience of episcopal collegiality, which fosters an affectionate and effective unity with the Successor of Peter. The dicasteries responsible for assisting the Holy Father in the complex process of appointing bishops expressed their satisfaction with the fruitful results of the course.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Bishop Sławomir SzkredkaBishop L., Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, said: “This formation course is of great importance for three reasons. First, it offers an experience of unity: meeting the Holy Father, the Peter of our time, and witnessing to the universal nature of the Church alongside our brothers and sisters around the world. Second, it offers the gift of meeting other bishops from various Churches, allowing us to share experiences, build relationships, and pray together. Finally, we interact with representatives of the Holy See, who present the vision of Pope Francis, allowing us to reflect on how it can be applied in our local Churches in different regions.”
This year, the course, which runs from September 15 to 21, is composed of two groups of bishops. The course organized by the Dicastery for Bishops brings together 153 bishops from 46 countries, including 25 bishops of the Eastern Rite, supervised by the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches, as well as five newly appointed bishops with responsibilities in the Roman Curia. In addition, 114 participants are taking part in the course led by the Dicastery for Evangelization.
The Roman Curia regularly organizes a meeting for newly ordained bishops in September. This year, the Roman curate is organizing a unique event: for the first time, some sessions are shared and experienced jointly by the two groups of bishops, at the Pontifical Urbaniana University.
