“Anthony (the Desert Father) used to say that it is a person’s duty to devote all their time to the soul rather than to the body, while allowing the body only a brief moment for its needs. But all the rest, he should entrust all the more eagerly to the soul and seek its well-being, so that it might not be dragged down by the pleasures of the body, but rather, on the contrary, the body might be subject to the soul.” (Saint Athanasius)
Showing all posts dated May 7, 2026
“The qualities of a true shepherd”
Regarding the Petrine office, we emphasized yesterday that when Jesus called Peter to his ministry of shepherding the sheep, He asked him about his love and then entrusted him with the task of feeding them (John 21:15–19).
We further considered that the Pope’s ministry consists, in particular, in authentically transmitting Christ’s teaching through the centuries until the day of His return at the end of time, for the Church has understood Peter’s calling as an appointment to a universal pastoral office. In this context, it must be emphasized how important it is that the Church remain protected from heresies and reject them, so that their poison does not penetrate the Body of Christ.
In what follows, I would like to highlight a few points that are indispensable for a true shepherd of the Church.