The bishops concelebrated the opening Mass on September 8.

September 12, 2011. Rome, Italy.  The 11th Congress for Newly Appointed Bishops is currently underway at the Legion of Christ’s Center for Higher Studies in Rome. Over 113 participating bishops from 33 nations were present, along with various Legionary priests.

The purpose of the congress, which runs from September 7 – 16, is to foster the new bishops’ unity with each other and with the Pope, and to give them tools to help them carry out their new mission.

Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu, the substitute for the Secretary of State, presided over the inaugural Mass, which was celebrated yesterday in the center’s chapel.

During his homily, Archbishop Becciu invited the bishops to see God’s plan from His perspective and to put all their hope in Him, since their mission as bishops

	Archbishop Becciu during the moment of the offertory at Mass, with Fr Thomas Flynn, LC, assisting.

goes beyond their own strength.

“Work as if everything depends on us, and trust as if everything depends on Him,” he said. “He promised to be with us until the end of time.”

Archbishop Becciu also invited the new bishops to see Mary’s “yes” as an example of availability to God’s plans, and to “remember the Gospel that was placed on our heads during our episcopal ordination as a symbol of our submission to God’s word.” 

Finally, he entrusted their first steps as bishops and all of their plans to Mary, Regina Apostolorum (Queen of the Apostles).

Consecrated men and Legionary brothers and priests from the Center for Higher Studies have been available to support the bishops during their course, offering practical assistance as needed: picking up the bishops at the airport, giving simultaneous translations of the talks, doing the daily laundry and cleaning service, setting up for Mass and prayer, serving

	A view of the chapel during the inauguration Mass at the Center for Higher Studies chapel.

meals in the dining room, etc. Their goal: to offer the bishops the best possible atmosphere for prayer, reflection, and fellowship.

After their weeks of talks, workshops, and fellowship, the bishops have another grace to look forward to: a special audience with Pope Benedict XVI on September 15.