The people of Vannes are fortunate indeed. Bishop Centène's homily at Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Vannes last Sunday was truly uplifting. This isn't the first time Bishop Centène's homilies have been mentioned on Catholic websites, and given their quality, this is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Here is an excerpt from the homily for the ordination of two priests:
Because he is a father, the priest is a husband.
In the Holy Spirit, the gift of his life makes the Church fruitful and sanctifies it.
The priest is the spouse of the Church, to the point of placing at her service all the love of his heart, all the weariness of his body, all the desires of his mind, all the joys of his soul. This is the profound reason for his beautiful commitment to celibacy.
The Holy Spirit makes him a man of the Church. This spousal covenant means that they are no longer two but one flesh.
In your relationship with the Church, imitate the loving care of a young husband. Do not be content with mere formal fidelity.
Learn to discover what she loves, through an ever-deeper understanding of her teachings.
Learn to discover what she desires through delicate attention to her discipline.
According to the recommendation of Saint Paul, cherish it "as your own flesh" (Ephesians 5:28).
Learn to regard her with esteem, speak of her with admiration, with tenderness, and you will make her lovable in everyone's eyes.
Never imitate those who are on the lookout for her wrinkles and blemishes. It is always the prelude to infidelity.
After two thousand years, if she is a little wrinkled, it is because she has smiled a lot; if she is a little withered, it is because she has cried a lot.
But every time you celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, you will restore to her her beauty and the joy of her eternal youth if you are ready to give your life for her.
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