The perfect disciple is one who has given all to the Lord in the person of His poor. We might see Mother Teresa of Calcutta as an example of this perfect disciple. Stewardship and Solidarity Stewardship was a topic in my Intervention at the Synod for America, December 1997, in the Vatican. Let me close here with a brief outline of To Be a Christian Steward from the US Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Stewardship. After Jesus, look to Mary - the handmaid of the Lord, a life of total fidelity and service.
Stewardship is an integral part of that journey.
The vision of everything coming from the hand of a loving Father is particularly relevant in this Year of the Father in preparation for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. In closing, I am forever grateful to you, the priests, deacons, religious and lay women and men of the Diocese of Corpus Christi for your spirit of generosity, sacrifice and solidarity. In a word, I thank God for the good stewardship of your time, talent and treasure, which have enabled me, as your Bishop, to initiate a new chapter in our diocese marked by increased trust, collaboration and love. No Bishop in the whole world could be more blessed than the Sixth Bishop of Corpus Christi. Be assured of my heartfelt and continued prayers.