Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) delivered these words to fellow clergy at the last synod he attended….
“Are you in charge of a parish? If so, do not neglect the parish of your own soul, do not give yourself to others so completely that you have nothing left for yourself. You have to be mindful of your people without becoming forgetful of yourself.”
“If preaching and teaching is your job, then study dilligently and apply yourself to whatever is necessary for doing the job well. Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and yourvwords will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head.”
Oboedire 