Scritto da Rod Ian Mapula | Categoria: A proposito di Noi  |  Pubblicato il 30/01/2024

The St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary (ReMaSe) of Davao City, Philippines holds its annual Institution to the Minor Ministries in view of priesthood. Seminarians from the Configuration Year 2 received their Ministry to Lectorate while Configuration Year 3 received their Ministry to Acolytate. Currently, the Apostles of Jesus Crucified Fathers and Brothers of Davao community is sending one seminarian at ReMaSe who is now in his second year of Theology. As part of the preparation for priesthood, Br. Rodelio I. Mapula, AJC was instituted to the Ministry of Lectors last January 20, 2024 at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City. He was conferred along with other seminarians by the Most. Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao. Taking part as concelebrating bishop is the Bishop of the Diocese of Butuan, and the other concelebrating priests were from the diocesan seminary and religious congregation.

Each seminarian receiving the ministry of Lector was instructed by Archbishop Valles, “Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.” In his homily, Archbishop Valles underlines the role of the minor ministry to lectorate in view of priesthood. Highlighted in the homily is the function proper to those instituted in the ministry that is, reading the word of God in the liturgical assembly. According to the Motu Propio of Pope Paul VI – Ministeria Quaedam, those instituted to the ministry of lectorate is to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, except for the gospel in the Mass. He is to recite the psalm between the readings when there is no psalmist. He is to present the intentions for the general intercessions in absence of a deacon or cantor. He is to direct the singing and the participation by the faithful. He is to instruct the faithful for the worthy reception of the sacraments. He may also take care of preparing other faithful who are appointed on a temporary basis to read the Scriptures in liturgical celebration. For him to fittingly and perfectly fulfill these functions, he is to meditate assiduously on Sacred Scripture. Aware of the office he has undertaken, the reader is to make every effort and employ suitable means to acquire that increasingly warm and living love and knowledge of the Scripture that will make him a more perfect disciple of the Lord (#5).

Newly-instituted lectors are called to assimilate the Word of God into their hearts. The event was attended by the families and friends of the newly-instituted lectors and acolytes, religious congregations, vocation promoters and other lay ministries with the hope as one people of God that they may be able to carry out their duties and responsibilities with faith and love.