The words of the general superior following the consecration of Fr. Heiner

We present the text of the general superior of the Dehonians – Fr. Carlos Luis Suárez Codorniú, SCJ – spoken at the end of the Eucharistic celebration at which Fr. Heiner Wilmer was consecrated as bishop of the Diocese of Hildesheim on September 1, 2018.

Dear brother,

Today is a day of great joy also for the Dehonian Family. Your new service responds to the same vocation that we share: to always be attentive to the call of the Church. Since our foundation, we have been guided by the desire to respond to that call in the best way we have known how to do it:

“(…) by a special grace of God, we are called in the Church to seek and lead, as the one thing necessary, a life of union with the oblation of Christ”. (RV 26)

In many different places we continue to announce what we have discovered; we contemplate the open side of the Savior. It is there that we learn to look at all people with compassion and hope. It is what we are passionate about and what gives meaning to our way of life. Today you are entrusted, in a very particular way, to continue living as a pastor of this Church of God that welcomes you in the heart of Europe.

We are sure that we leave you in very good hands. With the men and women of this beautiful diocese you will continue to grow as a disciple of Jesus. As they help you, you will also help them with your words, your testimony and all that you have lived as a Priest of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the confident style of our Venerable Fr. Leo John Dehon.

Dear bishop,

We wish you a fruitful, joyful ministry, full of good works and fruits of holiness for you and your people. May God’s favorites be the ones who most occupy your heart. Let them be the ones who know best how to talk to you. We thank you for all the good you have done for us in the different responsibilities you have had in the Congregation and in the communities where you have lived. Always count on our prayers and our love. We will continue accompanying you. Keep us also in your heart.

Fr. Carlos Luis Suárez Codorniú, SCJ
general superior