Guéckédou, 13 November, 2023 / 9:55 pm (ACI Africa).
The representative of the Holy Father in Guinea has urged the pioneer Bishop of the newly erected Diocese of Guéckédou in the West African nation to be “an authentic pastor” to the people of God under his care.
In his homily during the Sunday, November 12 Episcopal Ordination of Mons. Norbert Tamba Sandouno, Archbishop Jean-Sylvain Emien Mambé encouraged the 56-year-old Guinean Bishop to be a “good shepherd after the model of Christ who laid down his life for his sheep.”
“Be an authentic pastor in the image of Christ the good shepherd. Avoid honors and praises for they will not make you a good shepherd,” Archbishop Emien told the Catholic Church leader who was appointed Bishop for Guéckédou Diocese on June 29.
He added, “You will be an authentic pastor not by your authority, not by creating fear around you, but through service to the people of God entrusted to your care. A service to be carried out with humility, patience, and self giving.”
“Remember that the Episcopate is more or less a service. A service entrusted to you by God for the good of his people. It is not about honor. It is not a position for prestige or authority.,” the Apostolic Nuncio in Guinea who also representative of the Holy Father in Mali further said.