1. THE SHEPHERD

"The good of souls, above all" ‑- this is the goal of his priestly and episcopal activity.  He subordinates all his decisions and activities to the salvation of human beings.  An apostle cannot remain inside the church.  Like the Good Shepherd, he leaves his tent, he leaves the sacristy.  He goes in search of the sheep lost in the hills and plains.  He goes out to "preach Jesus Christ and him crucified to all people," ready to give up his life, lavishly expending all his physical and moral energies.

"Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." Christ is the Word: "The word of Christ is not lesser than his body."  "Without preaching, the Church would be a utopia; and, without the word, the Sacrifice would be an unproductive commemoration."

Without proper training, instruction is sterile.  Popes, bishops, priests, and parents have the right and the inalienable duty to train.  The family, humanity's second soul, is where the first Christian training takes place.  The holy day is the time for instruction and training in the faith, the moment when all families become one single family and anticipate the heavenly Jerusalem.