From the day I entered Holy Orders, first as a deacon, then as a priest, and, for the last 27 years, as a bishop, I have tried to be faithful to the vocation of prayer. Praying for the People of God is an inseparable part of the life of a bishop.
Prayer is the first step in the path to holiness required of bishops.
While trying not to fall into the Donatist notion that the efficacy of the sacraments depends upon a minister's virtuousness, I do know that the bishop's ability to inspire his people on the path to holiness is greatly enhanced by his own pursuit of personal holiness. The bishop's vocation of prayer originates in a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout the course of my priesthood, I have taken joy in the quiet moments I can spend with my Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. It is also in His Eucharistic presence that I take delight in praying the Liturgy of the Hours and the daily Rosary. It is with Him that I begin my day and conclude each evening.