Scritto da Rodelio I. Mapula | Categoria: A proposito di noi |  Pubblicato il 03/02/2025

A noteworthy and spiritually enlightening event was held at the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City, Philippines, on January 18, 2025, at exactly 2:30 PM. The new members were installed into the Ministry of Acolyte, a position of great honor and duty within the Catholic Church, which was witnessed by the faithful. The installation was conferred by the Most Reverend George B. Rimando, D.D., the auxiliary bishop of Davao, whose presence gave the event a sense of respect and solemnity.

In a significant milestone for the Apostles of Jesus Crucified (AJC) community, Br. Rodelio I. Mapula, alongside 12 other seminarians of the Configuration Year 3 of the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao (ReMaSe), was recently installed to the ministry of acolyte. The installation ceremony, a profound moment in the life of every seminarian, marks a step toward deeper service within the Church and prepares the seminarians for their eventual ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. An essential first step in a candidate's path to full involvement in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church is the Ministry of Acolyte. 

Family, relatives, and the faithful had gathered to witness the sacred event, and the installation ceremony started with a solemn procession inside the cathedral. In his homily, Most Rev. George B. Rimando stressed the importance of the Eucharist, the heart of our faith so precious. He highlighted serving God and the Church, emphasizing the role of the acolyte in supporting the faithful and clergy in their spiritual development.

He emphasized the prayer in the Instruction. The seminarians chosen for the ministry of acolyte will have a special role in the Church’s ministry. He reminded them that the summit and source of the Church’s life is the Eucharist, which builds up the Christian community and makes it grow. It is their responsibility to assists priest and deacons in carrying out their ministry, and as extraordinary ministers to give holy communion to the faithful at the liturgy and to the sick. Because they are specially called to this ministry, they should strive to live more fully by the Lord’s sacrifice and to be molded more perfectly in its likeness. They should seek to understand the spiritual meaning of what they do, so that they may offer themselves daily to God as spiritual sacrifices acceptable to him through Jesus Christ.

The concluding prayer of the Instruction was emphasized boldly by the bishop as he reiterated that in performing their ministry, they must bear in mind that, as they share the one bread with their brothers and sisters, so they form one body with them. They must show a sincere love for Christ’s Mystical Body, God’s holy people, and especially for the weak and the sick. They must be obedient to the commandment which the Lord gave to his apostles at the Last Supper: “Love one another as I also have loved you.”

In his message, Bishop Rimando reflected on the importance of this ministry as a grace from God. It is a preparation for becoming true servants of God. He reminded the newly installed acolyte and all present that this role is not simply a position of honor but a calling to serve the Church with dedication and love.

The ceremony included the formal blessing and prayers, marking the official beginning of the new ministry. During the rite of institution, each candidate went to the bishop, who gave them a vessel with bread to be consecrated, and the bishop pronounced: “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.” 

The installation was attended by family members, friends, religious congregations, seminary formators, vocation promoters, seminarians and clergy, all of whom joined in prayer and celebration. Not only was it a significant personal occasion, but it also demonstrated the strong sense of communal support and the close spiritual ties that unite the Church.

The recently installed acolytes, who were now entrusted with the sacred duties of the ministry, paused as the ceremony came to an end to consider the serious responsibility they had just taken on. By encouraging a spirit of service, love, and faith, the event served as a reminder to everyone in attendance of the Church's ongoing mission to serve God and the people.