His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about a phrase in the apostolic discourse that the shepherd “cares for everyone to save him.” The Pope calls for comprehensive pastoral care within the Church aimed at the salvation of souls, not to flatter people or to satisfy selfish comfort.

1. The Concept of Comprehensive Care

• Care is not merely prayers or sermons, but full care of heart, will, and action for the salvation of all: youth, children, families, the disabled, the elderly, newcomers, and strangers.

2. Caring for Youth in Their Various Aspects

• One must care for their spirituality, their culture, constructive entertainment (clubs, sports, games), and varied activities: drama, choir, scouting, arts, music, writing, translation, and outreach service among youth.

3. Following University Students and Spiritual Support

• Caring for university students is necessary because they are prone to deviation. The priest should follow up on their condition with letters, prayer, and spiritual accompaniment even while they are away.

4. The Sacrament of Confession and Spiritual Follow-up

• The priest’s role is not limited to confession and then finishing; he must pray and follow up and ask God’s intervention for specific cases and protect believers from stumbling.

5. Care for Servants, Council Members and Families

• The priest is responsible for servants, their activity and treatment, and should maintain relations with councils, the treasurer, and newly married couples to help them build and preserve a proper relationship before problems worsen.

6. Marriage Conditions and the Priest’s Responsibility

• The priest must be cautious about authorizing an improper marriage out of pity or laxity; some cases require a council or the patriarchate. A priest who authorizes a wrong marriage is accountable before God.

7. Mercy within the Bounds of Truth

• Mercy must be practical and consistent with truth, not emotional speech that violates church laws. One must not sacrifice truth for tears or shallow pity.

8. Patience and Continuity in Ministry

• The salvation of people requires long patience and continuous follow-up, like the farmer who gives the tree time, soil and spiritual care until it bears fruit. The priest must be patient as God has been patient with us.

9. Self-Examination and Spiritual Commitment

• The priest must first watch himself and correct his personal faults. His care for others must not make him neglect his own salvation through work and continual teaching.

For better translation support, please contact the center.