What special message did Pope Francis share this weekend?

'Always have before your eyes the example of the Good Shepherd, who didn� t come to be served, but to serve.'

On Sunday, May 7, Pope Francis ordained ten men to the priesthood. During this time, the pontiff offered sincere words of wisdom.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - On Good Shepherd Sunday, Pope Francis delivered a homily found in the Roman Ritual for priestly ordinations.

According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis stepped away from the traditional ordinations to offer three refreshing deviations.

The first was a reminder that the priesthood wasn't a "career" in the traditional sense. "These men have been elected by the Lord Jesus not to make their own way, but to do this [priestly] service," the pontiff stated.

He then explained the masses must hear homilies delivered as Christ delivered his messages: "Do not give homilies that are too intellectual or elaborate. [Be] simple, as Our Lord spoke, who reached hearts."

Holiness also stated: "A presbyter who has perhaps studied much theology and has achieved one or two or three advanced degrees, but has not learned to carry the Cross of Christ, is useless: he will be a good academic, a good professor, but not a priest."

The pontiff concluded with: "Please, I ask you in the name of Christ and of the Church to be merciful, always: do not saddle the faithful with burdens they cannot carry (nor ought you so burden yourselves). Jesus reproved the doctors of the law for this, and called them hypocrites."

One way the Pope said the new priests could show mercy is to visit the sick. He explained the task is "perhaps a nuisance, even painful" but said it must be done.

"Do it, all of you. Yes, it is well that the lay faithful should do it, and deacons, but do not forget to tough the flesh of the suffering Christ in the sick: this sanctifies you, it brings you closer to Christ."

In closing, Pope Francis brought the priests together on a joyous note: "Be joyful, never sad. With the joy of Christ's service, even in the midst of suffering, misunderstanding, [even] one's own sins.

"Have the example of the Good Shepherd ever before your eyes. He did not come to be served, but to serve. Please, do not be 'lords,' do not be 'State Clerics,' but shepherds, pastors of the People of God."

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