Here, Pope John Paul II recounts his ordination as bishop in 1958 and service in the episcopacy until being elected pope in 1978. This book could be called a sequel to his reflections on his early years in the priesthood, Gift and Mystery. The new text has a formal, catechism-like quality, with frequent scripture references, pietisms, and explications. However, John Paul s delineation of episcopal responsibilities offers some insight into his particular style as a charismatic leader of the Churc