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Handout #279

The bishops are responsible in solidarity for the evangelization of the world.

United by a closer bond both to Christ and to his Vicar, my venerable brothers (the bishops), you will want to play your part in a spirit of lively charity, in this care for all the churches which weighs on our shoulders (II Corinthians 11.28). You who are constrained by the love of Christ (II Corinthians 5. 1) will want to feel deeply along with us the imperative duty to propagate the gospel and to found the church through the entire world. 

However, another form of support, which is without doubt more onerous, is given by many bishops who authorize some of their priests, albeit at some sacrifice, to put themselves for a limited period at the deposition of the Ordinaries (bishops) of Africa. By doing that they render them an irreplaceable service. Pius XII, Encyclical Fidei donum, 21, April 1957.

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