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TWO SEMINARIANS INSTALLED LECTORS AND ACOLYTES
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November 4, 2024On Sunday, November 3, 2024, His Excellency Jerome Feudjio, Bishop of Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands, installed the seminarians Modestus Ugo Dike and Jean Phito Orelus into the ministries of Lector and Acolyte and invested them with the clerical garb. This ceremony took place at the 5 p.m. Mass in Holy Family Church, with many Christians in attendance.
In his homily, the Bishop explained the importance of this step in the lives of the two seminarians and the community. He encouraged everyone to support the seminarians and pray for them, as they continue the discernment process in their journey towards the ministerial priesthood.
The ceremony consisted of the presentation of the candidates by Rev. Fr. Louis Kemayou, the Director of Vocations, the questioning of the candidates, the prayer over them, and the act of installation, first as Lectors, then as Acolytes. As the rite prescribes, the Bishop handed the Sacred Scriptures to each of them, as well as the paten and chalice, while saying the words of institution into those ministries. He then blessed their cassocks and surplices and handed them to the seminarians. They returned to the sacristy, put on the garb, returned to the foot of the sanctuary, and received lit candles which they placed at an altar of Our Lady within the Church, symbolic of the light of faith which they must keep burning and share with the community.
It was a colorful and joyous celebration, with the singing led by the Haitian community of Holy Family Church (who normally have Mass at the hour on Sundays), and with the participation of the Hispanic community of Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral.Pastorally Motivated Celebration
Most Rev. Feudjio revealed before the close of the celebration that he had pastoral reasons for deciding to carry out the ceremony in the Parish. These celebrations are usually held in the context of the seminary. He, however, did so in the Parish so that the Diocesan community would participate and experience something of what the candidates for the priesthood do during their years of formation.
According to the Bishop, it was a unique opportunity for the faithful to share in the life and preparatory journey of the candidates. He hoped they would have a better appreciation of and deeper insight into the ministries of Lector and Acolyte, and the relevance of the clerical garb worn by the clergy who serve in the various parishes and institutions.The Ministries of Lector and Acolyte
The ministries of Lector and Acolyte were among those previously referred to as the ‘minor orders’. However, in 1972, Pope Paul VI issued the motu proprio Ministeria Quaedam, which reformed the minor orders. The document suppressed the minor orders of porter and exorcist and retained only the ministries of lector and acolyte, which were no longer considered minor orders but ministries open to all laypeople.
The primary duty of a Lector is to proclaim the Scriptures (excluding the Gospel) during liturgical celebrations. This includes readings at Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, and other liturgical services. Lectors are expected to prepare thoroughly for their readings, which involves studying the texts, understanding their context, and practicing their delivery to ensure clear and effective communication. Beyond liturgical functions, Lectors are also involved in teaching and catechetical roles, helping to educate the faithful about the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.
Acolytes assist the priest and deacon during liturgical celebrations. This includes preparing the altar, arranging the liturgical vessels, and assisting with the distribution of the Eucharist. They may also be involved in various forms of service within the parish community, such as visiting the sick, assisting with parish events, and supporting other liturgical ministries. Acolytes are often entrusted with the role of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, both during Mass and when bringing Communion to the sick and homebound.The Newly Installed
Until further notice, according to the Bishop, Modestus Ugo Dike would continue with his period of Canonical experience in Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral. Jean Phito Orelus would do the same in Holy Family Church.
In addition, both seminarians were, at the time of their installation into these ministries, teachers at the Sts Peter and Paul Catholic School, Charlotte Amalie. They had both completed their periods of seminary formation and acquired the necessary academic requirements.
They would continue to discern God’s will, and God willing, could be ordained deacons in the months ahead, if eventually judged suitable by the Bishop, with the recommendation from those charged with their preparation.Watch the Event:
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