A diocesan priest makes a formal promise of obedience to his bishop.  This pledge of loyalty binds the priest to his bishop in a manner that ensures that the needs of God's people will be met.  Freedom in priestly life and ministry changes in a way that is not unlike children becoming a part of parents' lives. The best parents always take their children into account.  So, too, a priest considers others first when making decisions: namely, the people entrusted to his care, and his bishop who is responsible for the entire diocese.