Cardinal Piat told Mons. Moura that it would only be by being patient that the monsignor would discover the Diocese’s “hidden treasure of a generous humanity and a deep faith.”
The Cardinal called on Mons. Moura to “trust in the Spirit that dwells in the people of Rodrigues”.
“There will be times when you'll have to walk in the middle of the flock to listen to the people, to participate in their life; but there will also be times when you'll have to walk behind the flock, to support the weakest and make sure that no one is left by the wayside; and there will be times when you'll have to walk in front, to point the way, help to stay on course, and give courage to those who hesitate,” Cardinal Piat said.
He said, “Being a pastor according to God's heart is not a job, it's a love story. The people of Rodrigues are Jesus' sheep, the ones he entrusts to you today. Jesus gave his life for them, and he invites you to share his passion for his sheep, to give your life too, so that the sheep may have life, and have it in abundance.”
“Like Jesus, accompany them with the same patience, put on your apron and wash their feet, nourish them with the Word of God and the Eucharist. Support them when they stumble, heal them when they hurt themselves, go in search of them when they're lost; lift them up when they can't stand it any longer, rekindle hope in them. Listen to them too,” Cardinal Piat said.
Ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Port-Louis in August 2006, Mons. Moura was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Rodrigues in December 2023.
In his March 19 homily, Cardinal Piat urged the people of God in Rodrigues to welcome their new Bishop with confidence.
“Take advantage of the arrival of your new bishop to resolutely take the path of synodality that Pope Francis recommends to the whole Church,” he said.
The Mauritian Cardinal added, “Seize the opportunity to deepen the spirituality that underpins this way of walking together and give it its strength; practice at all levels of Church life, listening to one another to seek to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church of Rodrigues today.”
“Your bishop is not a superman. He can't work miracles. He comes more simply as a shepherd who reaches out to the flock wherever they are on their journey. He needs you, just as you need him, to discern which direction to take and how to move forward together,” Cardinal Piat said.
