When Jesus founded his Church on earth, he entrusted it to the care of the apostles, who were the first bishops or "shepherds" of the Christian faithful. They passed on that special task to others through the laying on of hands (the sacrament of Holy Orders), a tradition that continues to the present time.
Many are the responsibilities of the bishop, being the chief shepherd of a specific geographic location. It is a weighty task, one that is impossible to manage without the spiritual support of his flock.
Below is a brief prayer that can be said for your local bishop (or for multiple bishops), asking God to fill your bishop with courage and strength to remain faithful to Christ and guide the people entrusted to his care with holiness of life.
God, eternal shepherd, you tend your Church in many ways and rule us with love. You have chosen your servant, N., to be a shepherd of your flock. Give him a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he build your Church as a sign of salvation for the world.
Read more:
What is a diocese?
