The Shepherd of the Lord's flock know that they can count on a special divine grace as they carry out their ministry as Bishops. In the Roman Pontifical, during the solemn prayer of episcopal ordination, the principal ordaining Bishop, after invoking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit who leads and guides, repeats a phrase already found in the ancient text of the Apostolic Tradition: "Grant, O Father, knower of all hearts, that this your servant, whom you have chosen for the office of Bishop, may shepherd your holy flock. May he fulfil before you with out reproach the ministry of the High Priesthood." in this way there continues to be carried out the will of the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Shepherd, who sent the Apostles even she himself was sent by the father (cf. jn 20:21), and who wishes that their successors, the Bishops, should remain shepherd in his Church until the end of time.