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I cannot prophesy what challenges lay in the future for you or for the Church. But this we know: persecution and martyrdom will always be part of the Church’s life.

As we absorb God’s Word and receive Christ into our hearts, we are rescued from the darkness of sin all around us.

Unlike Mary, we were not preserved from all stain of sin, nor were we called to her unique role in salvation history. Nonetheless, her radiant motherhood and fervent discipleship open the door for us to find forgiveness of our sins, to acquire the beauty of virtue and holiness, and to discover the wisdom and courage to be the Lord’s disciples in today’s world.

Dear brothers, in this moment of intense grace and joy, I entrust you and your priestly ministry to Mary our Queen.

In preaching and in administering the sacraments, then, you will assist me in leading people to holiness, unlock in them their spiritual gifts, ensure that all work together in love, and thus build up the Body of Christ, the Church.

Over the years, as a priest and bishop, I have often visited those who are sick, only to return home amazed and edified at their strong and loving faith. When I was a recently ordained priest, I prayed with a young woman near death. She asked me to help her thank God for all the blessings she had received in her life. I came home from that visit and asked myself if I had one tenth of her faith.